Congestive Heart Failure Teaching 1646
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.
Reviewed November 2017
Reviewed for general reference only. Adapt to your patient, agency policy, and scope of practice.
Related teachings
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