Final answer:
Right-sided heart failure results in systemic venous congestion, while left-sided heart failure causes pulmonary congestion. Diagnosis is made through imaging like echocardiography and chest X-ray, plus lab tests such as BNP levels. Treatment includes medications, a low-sodium diet, and careful nursing management.
Step-by-step explanation:
Right-sided heart failure involves the inability of the right ventricle to provide adequate blood flow into the pulmonary circulation, resulting in elevated pressures in the systemic venous system. The left-sided heart failure is characterized by the left ventricle's incapacity to pump enough oxygenated blood to meet the body's demands, leading to increased pressure in the pulmonary circuit. Symptoms and physical findings differ between the two.
Signs and Symptoms
- Left-sided heart failure: dyspnea, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, pulmonary crackles, and decreased oxygen saturation.
- Right-sided heart failure: peripheral edema, jugular venous distention, hepatomegaly, and ascites.
Diagnostic Imaging Tests
Diagnostic imaging tests may include echocardiography (to assess heart function), chest X-ray (to observe heart size and pulmonary congestion), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (to evaluate cardiac muscle and function).
Laboratory Tests
Common tests include B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, complete blood count (CBC), and serum electrolytes, renal function tests, and liver function tests.
Medications and Dietary Management
Treatment could include ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, and aldosterone antagonists. A low-sodium diet is typically recommended.
Nursing Priorities and Concerns
Managing symptoms, monitoring for medication effects, educating about self-care and diet, as well as monitoring for signs of fluid overload or worsening heart function are vital priorities for nursing care in heart failure patients.