PathWell Home Health Care Heart Failure Protocol

PathWell's In Home Health Care Adheres to Heart Failure Protocols to Help Minimize the
Impact of the Patient’s Condition

PathWell Home Health Heart Failure Goals of Care

Patient will maintain optimal cardiac function as evidenced by clear lung sounds, no shortness of breath, and absence of, or reduced edema
Vital signs will be within normal limits for the patient
Increased activity tolerance related to cardiovascular status
Reduce rate of hospitalization

The Heart Failure Patient and Caregiver will be Instructed on the Following:

Daily weights (when to weigh, reason for weights, recording weights, and when to notify MD/RN)
Notify MD of weight changes based on individual MD recommendations
Lower extremity elevation
Activity pacing Use of TED hose (if ordered)
Measures to promote circulation
Medication management and adherence
Fluid restriction (if ordered)
Diet management
Healthy coping strategies
Smoking cessation

Key Assessment Points for Heart Failure Patients:

Weight (obtain from patient’s daily weight chart)
Orthostatic blood pressure
Edema
Lung and heart sounds
Pulse oximetry
Medication adherence
Adherence with diet and/or fluid restrictions