Nursing esment & care of the patient with congestive cardiac failure?

CHF is when the heart is not pumping effectively which causes a buildup of fluid in the lungs and/or body - especially lower extremities. A basic essment would include lung sounds (crackles), presence of edema (especially lower extremity and pedal, but can be generalized), shortness of breath, and poor SpO2 level, and fatigue. Care: elevate the head of bed, elevate lower extremities, administer ordered meds (i.e. diuretics, ACE inhibitors), monitor I&O closely, enforce fluid restrictions (if ordered). A good resource in www.medlineplus.com.