Cardiac Discussion (Initial Posting Due) –
From Pathophysiology – 50377 NUR4125
Please refer to the course calendar for due dates for initial and response post.
1. Discuss the differences between heart failure in adults versus children (congenital heart disease).
2. Describe the pathophysiology of each condition (heart failure in adults and children).
3. For both types of heart failure (adults and children), please address the following questions: how common the occurrence is, diagnostics for each condition, and the treatment for each condition. Describe atypical presentations, occurrence rate, and what groups have atypical presentations. (Which patients present with atypical signs and symptoms?)
Remember – you need at least 1 original post, and at least 1 response post to another student. This is just the minimum – you can always post more! Also, be sure to address all above questions.
Please refer to the calendar for due dates for discussion postings. Also be sure to review rubric located under Important course information.
In keeping with the expectations of the RN-BSN program, you will first have to post your original report before you can read or respond to the posts of other students.
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Sample Essay Answer:
Heart Failure in Adults versus Children (Congenital Heart Disease)
Heart failure is a medical condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to a range of symptoms and complications. In adults, heart failure is typically caused by underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. On the other hand, congenital heart disease refers to a group of heart conditions that are present at birth and affect the normal functioning of the heart.
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure in Adults and Children
In adults, heart failure is typically caused by a reduction in the heart’s ability to contract and pump blood effectively, which can result from a range of underlying medical conditions. This can lead to a buildup of fluid in the body, which can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet.
In children, congenital heart disease is caused by abnormalities in the structure or function of the heart, which can result in a range of symptoms and complications. These may include shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain.
Diagnostics and Treatment for Heart Failure in Adults and Children
The diagnosis of heart failure in adults typically involves a thorough medical Assessment, including a physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies such as an echocardiogram or cardiac MRI. Treatment options may include medications, lifestyle changes, and in severe cases, surgical procedures such as a heart transplant.
For children with congenital heart disease, the diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical Assessment and imaging studies, such as an echocardiogram or cardiac catheterization. Treatment options may include medication, lifestyle changes, and surgery to correct the underlying heart defect.
Atypical Presentations of Heart Failure
In some cases, patients with heart failure may present with atypical symptoms, such as abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss. Older adults and individuals with certain underlying medical conditions, such as advanced diabetes or kidney disease, may be more likely to have atypical presentations of heart failure.
References:
American Heart Association. (2021). Heart Failure. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). Congenital Heart Defects. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/congenital-heart-defects
Menachem, J. N., Schlendorf, K. H., Mazurek, J. A., Bichell, D. P., Brinkley, D. M., Frischhertz, B. P., … & Lindenfeld, J. (2020). Advanced heart failure in adults with congenital heart disease. Heart Failure, 8(2), 87-99.
Lu, C. W., Wang, J. K., Yang, H. L., Kovacs, A. H., Luyckx, K., Ruperti‐Repilado, F. J., … & Moons, P. (2022). Heart Failure and Patient‐Reported Outcomes in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease from 15 Countries. Journal of the American Heart Association, 11(9), e024993.
Chowdhury, R. R., Kaur, S., & Gera, R. (2023). N Terminal Pro B Type Natriuretic Peptide as a marker of severity of heart failure in children with Congenital Heart Disease.
