ACC/AHA Treatment Guidelines
Stage A
• Treat underlying disorder
• Encourage smoking cessation
• ACE inhibitors
Stage B
• Stage A therapies
• Beta-adrenergic blocker
Stage C
• Stage A & B therapies
• Diuretics
• Digoxin
• Drug therapy
Stage D
• Stage A,B & C therapies
• Mechanical assist device
• Hospital care
Clinical Alert!
• Heart failure in children occurs mainly as a result of congenital heart defects.
• Treatment guidelines are directed toward the specific cause
Key Nursing Actions:
During acute phase
• Place the patient in Fowler’s position & give him supplemental oxygen to help him breathe.
• Weigh the patient daily, & check for peripheral edema.
• Make sure the patient has continuous cardiac monitoring during acute & advanced stages.
• Assist the patient with ROM exercises. Enforce bed rest, & apply antiembolism stockings.
Preparing the patient for discharge:
• Advise the patient to avoid foods high in sodium.
• Explain the need for possible potassium supplement because of diuretic therapy.
• Tell the patient to notify the physician promptly of his pulse is unusually irregular or measures less than 60 beats/min.