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!
Find everything Archer Review has to offer:
archerreview.link/PulseCheck
Use code PULSECHECK10 - an exclusive discount just for our listeners!
Connect with us!
📸 Instagram: @archernursing
📘 Facebook: Archer NCLEX Review
🎵 TikTok: @archernursing
▶️ YouTube: Archer Review NCLEX, USMLE, TEAS7, and FNP
