Question re. CHF

[KatMcRN]

How is CHF addressed @ your facility? I'm currently working 2 hospitals and they are very different in their approach. One is very aggressive, using Bumex,Zaroxolyn,Diamox, and inotropes ( dopamine and dobutrex). Whereas the other seems to think 40mg of Lasix Q8h will help the problem. Needless to say I'm frustrated @ the later in their, what seems, futile approach to these pt's. What's the norm where you work? Is there a good website that addresses CHF treatment? All input is greatly appreciated. Thanks.....

[mn nurse]

Kat,

I'm a neuro/rehab nurse that once got stuck developing a CHF management program...Needless to say, my knowledge of CHF was pretty basic going into this project. The best resource I found to educate myself was the AHCPR Clinical Practice Guideline on Heart Failure (Heart Failure: Evaluation and Care of Patients with Left-Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction) which is available FREE by calling [phone]. There is also a Quick Reference Guide For Clinicians and a Consumer Version (for educating patients and families).

I found these resources very valuable in helping to understand CHF management; everything from pathophysiology to diagnostic testing to treatment is explained clearly. It even gives initial and target doses of the drugs.

Hope this is helpful.

[jordan60]

Hi I'm from Australia, CHFor LVF as some call it usually is treated from the cause, as some forget to take their antidiuretics or other reasons. Frusimide is the drug of choice for a good diuresis, if BP is low them maybe peep mask or if BP is stable then GTN also helps. Depends on each individual case there is not one formula for all cases. Its individualistic, its treated on the cause of LVF. Jackie Cheers.