EP 15 - Right-Sided Heart Failure

Right-sided heart failure might not get as much attention as the left—but when the right side fails, the entire body feels it! In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down the pathophysiology of right-sided heart failure, what sets it apart from the left, and how to recognize it in both textbook symptoms and real-life clients. 

Morgan walks through a case of a client whose past heart attack and hypertension led to classic signs of systemic congestion. You’ll learn how to differentiate left vs. right-sided symptoms, what labs to look for, and how to manage clients during both the hospital stay and at discharge. Plus, we’ll break down a high-yield NCLEX-style question and give you a key test-taking tip along the way. 

Topics discussed in this episode: 

• The role of the right side of the heart and what happens when it fails 

• Systemic signs: JVD, peripheral edema, ascites, hepatomegaly, bloating 

• How left-sided failure can lead to right-sided failure 

• BNP as a key lab for assessing fluid overload 

• Diuretic management, sodium and fluid restriction, and ambulation 

• Discharge teaching: daily weights, fall precautions, and NSAID avoidance 

• Breaking down an NCLEX question on right-sided heart failure symptom recognition 

This episode is all about connecting the dots between client presentation, cardiac patho, and practical nursing care. Tune in now to sharpen your skills and confidently differentiate right vs. left-sided heart failure! 

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