shortness of breath
Congestive Heart Failure
Instructed patient about the signs and symptoms to call 9-1-1 with regard to diagnosis Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), or congestive heart failure, that may point to the condition being worsened and needing immediate medical attention by 9-1-1, call MD to report to MD: crackling noise that can be audibly heard as patient exhales, pink, frothy sputum that patient coughs out, patient has markedly increased shortness of breath that is not relieved even after 15 minutes of rest, may also be non-productive but incessant cough that includes crackling sound, rapid heart rate that may last more than 30 minutes (with or without dizziness), weight gain of more than 2-3 pounds in one day, or 5-7 pounds in seven days, lower extremity swelling which may or may not include fluid seeping through the skin. With regard to increased/increasing shortness of breath that is not relieved, however, told PCG and patient to remain calm and call 9-1-1 and not wait/call MD as it needs to be taken care of right away, because the patient needs oxygen in the body immediately - a medical emergency.
Instructed on the importance, when having Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), of reporting immediately signs/symptoms, such as: increased shortness of breath and edema (fluid retention), among others.
Instructed on some signs/symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), such as: increased fatigue and shortness of breath, among others.
SN explained that the symptoms / signs of congestive heart failure ( CHF ) may include: Shortness of breath ( also called dyspnea ) most commonly during activity, at rest, or while sleeping, which may come on suddenly and wake you up. You often have difficulty breathing while lying flat and may need to prop up the upper body and head on two pillows. You often complain of waking up tired or feeling anxious and restless. Blood backs up in the pulmonary veins ( the vessels that return blood from the lungs to the heart ) because the heart can't keep up with the supply. This causes fluid to leak into the lungs. Persistent coughing or wheezing, coughing that produces white or pink blood - tinged mucus. Fluid builds up in the lungs. Buildup of excess fluid in body tissues ( edema ) swelling in the feet, ankles, legs or abdomen or weight gain. You may find that your shoes feel tight.
SN instructed patient that heart failure, also called Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), means your heart does not pump blood as well as it should. This does not mean your heart has stopped working, but that it is not as strong as it used to be and fluid builds up in the lungs and other parts of your body. This can cause shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, feet, and stomach. Heart failure starts slowly and can get worse over time.
