HEART FAILURE REVIEW COURSE
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
8:00 am - 12:30 pm
Session Summary
This course provides a comprehensive review of essential information in the management of HF patients. Course content will include: review of the pathophysiology, physical assessment techniques, discussion of diagnostic testing, implementation of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment strategies, and professional issues in HF nursing. Heart failure expert clinicians will review the most recent HF management guidelines and share their knowledge, advice, and experience with participants. Case studies, question and answer breaks, and review of test taking tips will be used to reinforce information and aid participants in preparing to sit for the Certified Heart Failure Nurse (CHFN) exam.
Learning Objectives
At the end of the program the participants will be able to:
- Discuss the basic pathophysiology and various etiologies of heart failure
- Review the neurohormonal and hemodynamic changes in heart failure
- Recognize clinical signs and symptoms of acutely decompensated heart failure
- Understand the components of performing a complete history and physical in patients with acute and chronic heart failure
- Identify common physical findings in patients with acute, chronic and advanced failure
- Review the “diagnostic essentials” along the trajectory of heart failure
- List non-pharmacologic, pharmacologic and device therapy treatment options as recommended by current heart failure management guidelines
- List common co-morbid conditions affecting heart failure patients that may worsen heart failure outcomes and quality of life
- Define advanced heart failure and treatment therapies
- Review end of life and palliative care concepts in the patient with advanced heart failure
- Describe systems for quality improvement and transitions in care in heart failure management
- Understand professional issues and the role certification plays in nursing practice
