NURSING IMPLICATIONS
Heart failure is a chronic disease,
frequently characterized by exacerbations
and remissions. Current strategy
in the treatment of chronic illness
is to teach residents and caregivers
how to monitor for signs of early
decompensation and initiate timely
action based on these findings when
indicated.
The parameter for monitoring
worsening of heart failure is weight
gain and resulting increase of
adverse symptoms (e.g., shortness
of breath, congestion, edema). By
self-monitoring, residents can be
more in control of their illness and
better able to prevent exacerbations
and hospitalization.
In the long-term care setting,
nursing plays a major role in identifying
residents with heart failure,
monitoring their condition, and providing
resident and family education.
Use of quality indicators can help
long-term care facilities systematically
monitor specific care processes and
improve clinical outcomes.