Learning modules
Activity 2: Herbert's story
Herbert and his wife are self-funded retirees who spend their winter in the north of Australia to escape the cold. On his most recent holiday, Herbert noticed he was much more tired than usual. He seemed to have trouble catching his breath and needed to sleep on extra pillows.
He was diagnosed with systolic heart failure five years ago. His heart failure was initially classified as Class II Heart Failure using the New York Heart Association (NYHA) Classification System. [1] His condition has been well controlled with medication.
REFERENCES
1. Heart Failure Society of America. (2002). The Stages of Heart Failure – NYHA Classification. Retrieved September 15, 2010, from http://www.abouthf.org/questions_stages.htm
Video
Herbert's story
Thinking points
Activity 2: Herbert's story
Thinking points
Activity 2: Herbert's story
- Review the document:Guidelines for the prevention, detection and management of chronic heart failure in Australia (2006) National Heart Foundation of Australia and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand
a) Identify the incidence of heart failure in the Australian population.
b) How is heart failure classified and what is the relationship between classification and prognostic factors?
c) What were the clinical indicators that guided the physician's decision to re-classify Herbert's condition as Class III?
d) What is the possible course of disease progression for someone with Herbert's condition? Consider the following factors:- prognosis
- common symptoms
- support needs that might arise as his disease progresses
- other factors that might influence the course of his disease.
- Within the scope of your own discipline, develop an holistic care plan for Herbert.
- What does Herbert's statement of "I've got a lot of living to do" indicate about how he might view his disease?
