Heart Failure: Analysis of a Case Study on Atrial Fibrillation

This report presents a detailed analysis of a case study focusing on a patient experiencing heart failure and atrial fibrillation. The report examines the aetiology of the condition, including the patient's medical history, high blood pressure, and abnormal pulse and respiratory rates. It explores the pathophysiology, highlighting the role of atrial fibrillation in causing stroke, heart failure, and blood clots. The report also covers treatment options, such as pharmacotherapy with drugs like furosemide and glyceryl trinitrate, and nursing interventions, emphasizing the importance of monitoring vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. The report also discusses the importance of regular monitoring of liquid intake, pulse rate, respiratory rate, skin color, and blood pressure to prevent complications. The case study includes symptoms like breathlessness and bilateral basal crackles in the lungs. The patient's age (78 years old) is also identified as a critical factor. The report concludes by emphasizing the importance of identifying and addressing the underlying causes of heart failure to improve patient outcomes.

Acute Exacerbation of Heart
Failure
Aetiology
The higher value of blood
pressure is termed as
hypertension and is
termed as one of the
significant factor in
causing heart failure and
other cardiac
disturbances.
hypertension
Irregular
pulse
The abnormality in
heart rhythm or
breathing rate can
cause fluctuations in
pulse rate. Extreme
low or higher pulse
rate or irregularities
signifies the cardiac
dysfunction or the
failure.
Pathogenesis
The decreased SpO2% and
higher respiratory rate
indicates the lowered cardiac
output.
 Systolic heart failure
Activation-
vasopression
Bilateral basal crackles on
lung auscultation
Left ventricular function
Atrial fibrillation leads to
abnormal heart rhythm which
leads to complications of storke,
heart failure or even blood clot.
Treatment
Drugs such as
furosemide and
glyceryle trinitrate are
given to the patients
so which relaxes and
maintain blood and
atrial pressure as well
as smooth functioning
of heart muscles.
Pharmacothera
py
Nursing
interventions
Nurses must use
interventions such as
clinical governance of
heart rate, BP, pulse
rate and oxygen
saturation so that
abnormalities can be
identified and accurate
treatment can be
provided.
Diagnosis
Exacerbation of
systolic heart
failure
Dysnoea Bilateral basal
crackles in lungs
The patient had high
blood pressure (170/95
mm Hg), respiratory
rate (24 breaths/ min)
and pulse rate (120
beats / min)
Breathlessnes
s Abnormal body
parameters
Course of the
Disease Prevention
The patient had medical
history of heart failure,
and she is 78 years old
which is also critical
factor.
The liquid intake, pulse rate,
respiratory rate, skin colour
and blood pressure must be
monitored regularly.
In this acute condition the heart
muscles fails to supply necessary
blood to lungs and other organs
due to ineffective pumping action
of heart muscles.
Atrial Fibrillation