EP 14 - Left-Sided Heart Failure

Left-sided heart failure is a common cardiac condition nurses encounter—and understanding the patho is key to understanding the symptoms. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down exactly what happens when the left ventricle can’t keep up, leading to pulmonary congestion, fluid overload, and that classic pink, frothy sputum. 

You’ll hear the real-life story of a client whose textbook symptoms—orthopnea, crackles, rapid weight gain—highlight the importance of early recognition, effective teaching, and medication management. Plus, Dr. Taylor walks through a high-yield NCLEX-style SATA question on heart failure client education. 

Topics discussed in this episode: 

• How left-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the lungs 

• Classic symptoms: dyspnea, orthopnea, crackles, and pink frothy sputum 

• Risk factors: hypertension, coronary artery disease, and NSAID use 

• A real case of newly diagnosed heart failure during a med-surg rotation 

• Key client education: sodium restriction, daily weights, and med adherence 

• Why NSAIDs worsen heart failure and what to take instead 

• Breaking down a high-yield NCLEX SATA question on heart failure 

This episode connects the dots between pathophysiology, pharmacology, and real-world nursing care—all in about 15 minutes. Tune in now to strengthen your understanding and prep with confidence! 

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