Fatigue in Congestive Heart Failure Patients - Literature review Example

Portfolio Part A: Literature Review Name Institution Portfolio Part A: Literature Review Introduction The purpose of this portfolio is to examine the experience and management of fatigue among patients suffering from Chronic Heart Failure (CHF), Congestive Heart Failure, or Congestive Cardiac Failure. Congestive Cardiac Failure refers to the condition in which the heart loses the ability to pump blood throughout the body efficiently and effectively. The impact of the disease is evident on negative influences on other organs in the body thus difficulty in breathing, reduction in kidney function, fatigue, and accumulation of fluid in body tissues. The disease develops when the heart muscles becomes weakened limiting its ability to pump blood to other parts of the body. Various medical practitioners and scholars continue to study aspects of fatigue in relation to congestive heart failure hence to need to review existing knowledge as well as demand for further investigation. Search Strategy Topic: Examination and Management of Fatigue in Congestive Heart Failure Patients Databases used: Library Databases such as PUBMED, EBSCO, MEDLINE, and CINAHL Search terms used: fatigue, chronic heart failure, congestive heart failure, congestive heart failure, management of CCF, and fatigue issues in CCF Limitations applied: peer-reviewed journals, articles in English language, publication year must be between 2009 and 2014, and full-text publications or journals for effectiveness and efficiency in handling the research Other search strategies: Google scholar Article 1 Article Citation: Smith, Otto RF; Kupper, Nina; de Jonge, & Peter, de Jonge (2010). “Distinct trajectories of fatigue in chronic heart failure and their association with prognosis.” European Journal of Heart Failure; 12, 841–848. Type of Article: Quantitative Research Article What is the purpose of the article? The purpose of this study is to identify and examine distinct trajectories of fatigue over a 12-month period. In addition, this quantitative research article seeks to assess the impact of the distinct trajectories on mortality in chronic heart failure. What data or evidence does the author/s use to support the hypothesis or purpose? In order to address and substantiate the purpose and scope of this study, the authors focus on integration of quantitative data. This is through consecutive assessment of 310 CHF patients at baseline and at 2-and-12-month follow-up in relation to symptoms of exertion and general fatigue. Furthermore, the research article integrates mortality following the 12-month assessment of fatigue as the endpoint of the quantitative data. Outline the key points identified in the article The article identifies diverse components and key points in relation to the issue of fatigue among patients experiencing chronic heart failure or congestive cardiac failure. One of the major points in the article relates to fatigue being one of the key signs and symptoms of congestive cardiac failure, which makes it essential in determination of the quality of life of the patient. In addition, the article notes the prevalence of fatigue among CCF patients, which contributes to par progression of CCF in accordance with an increase in symptoms of fatigue. Furthermore, the article identifies six distinct trajectories for exertion of fatigue and four distinct trajectories for general fatigue in patients with CCF: sex, age, physical inactivity, co-morbidities, exercise capacity, and psychotropic medication. What conclusions did the author/s make? According to the authors of this article, there is variation in fatigue trajectories across CCF patients with the preference of differential effect on mortality. Rationale for choosing this article This article is valuable for execution of this assignment because of its applicability in understanding the concept of fatigue among CCF patients as well as management of such symptoms from a nursing perspective. Article 2 Article Citation: Dimitra A, RN, (2010), “Caring for the Heart Failure Patient: Contemporary Nursing Interventions.” Hospital Chronicles; Supplement: 1-8. Type of Article: Qualitative Research Article What is the purpose of the article? The purpose of this research is to identify and assess contemporary nursing interventions towards caring for CCF patients with the intention of managing diverse symptoms such as fatigue. What data or evidence does the author/s use to support the hypothesis or purpose? In order to substantiate the arguments in this qualitative research article, the researcher or author focuses on integration of secondary data or information from other articles, which are available in the reference list at the end of the presentation. This technique is vital in enhancing the authority of the article in the nursing practice. Outline the key points identified in the article The article focuses on incorporation of different points in relation to contemporary nursing interventions towards management of fatigue among CCF patients. Like the previous article, this qualitative journal notes that CCF is inability of the heart to pump sufficient or enough blood to meet the body’s oxygen and nutrient demands. CCF is a major public health issue with steadily increasing prevalence, high morbidity, and early mortality. Another critical point in this article is the leading role of nurses in management of CCF because of effective clinical assessment as well as adequate communication skills while working closely with the patients. There is need to adopt and implement an integrated approach towards reduction of mortality, prevention of re-hospitalization, increasing functional ability, and improvement of quality of life among the CCF patients. What conclusions did the author/s make? According to the author, implementation of an integrated approach of management to CCF would be ideal in reducing mortality rates, elimination of re-hospitalization, encouragement of functional ability, and enhancement of patients’ quality life. This would be a massive step towards handling incidents of fatigue among CCF patients in diverse contexts or settings. Rationale for choosing this article This research article or qualitative journal is applicable in the execution of this portfolio because of its relevance in accordance with the case in second part. In addition, it adheres to the limitations in the selection of the journals for this portfolio. Article 3 Article Citation: Butler J (2012), “An overview of chronic heart failure management.” Nursing Times; 108: 14/15, 16-20. Type of Article: Qualitative Research Article What is the purpose of the article? The purpose of this article is to present an overview of chronic heart failure or congestive cardiac failure management. This is through discussing the physiology of the heart, causes, and pathophysiology of heart failure, and treatment and management options. What data or evidence does the author/s use to support the hypothesis or purpose? In order to address these objectives or purposes, this qualitative research journal focuses on incorporating diverse information from other research articles and primary data. This is ideal for enhancement of the authority of the research findings and conclusions. Outline the key points identified in the article In this article, the author focuses on evaluating and illustrating five key points in relation to the issue of CCF and management of fatigue. In the first instance, the authors makes a point on CCF being a complex syndrome of signs as well as symptoms occurring because of structural and functional disorder of the heart or cardiac. In addition, the author notes that the coronary heart disease is the most common cause of CCF. It is also essential to note the steady increase of incidence and prevalence of CCF with age. Management of CCF should focus on alleviation of symptoms, enhancement of quality of life, and improvement of life expectancy or reduction of mortality incidents. What conclusions did the author/s make? The author of this qualitative journal focuses on generation of diverse conclusions. For instance, the author concludes that heart failure is common syndrome with a poor prognosis. In addition, the author notes that the most common aetiology in the case of the United Kingdom is the CHD. Some of the common symptoms of the CCF include fatigue, peripheral oedema, and difficulties in breathing. Rationale for choosing this article The rationale behind the selection of this article is its ability to offer background information and definitional elements of CCF. In addition, the article adheres to the limitations in the selection of research journals for execution of this portfolio. Article 4 Article Citation: Sundin, K., Bruce, E., & Barremo, A. (2010), “Elderly women’s experiences of support when living with congestive heart failure.” International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being, 5(2). doi:10.3402/qhw.v5i2.5064 Type of Article: Qualitative Research Article What is the purpose of the article? The purpose of this study is to illuminate the meaning of support as experienced by elderly women with chronic heart failure or CCF. What data or evidence does the author/s use to support the hypothesis or purpose? In order to substantiate this scope and purpose of the research article, the journal focuses on utilization of phenomenological hermeneutic approach in interpretation of data with the intention of describing and understanding the meanings of the phenomenon of support by elderly women with CCF. This is through generation of data from 10 elderly women with CCF who visited a middle-sized hospital in northern Sweden. The research focused on integration and execution narrative interviews towards collection of valuable data. In order to address this aspect, the article concentrates on evaluation and implementation of two perspectives in examining support experienced by women: when support is present and when there is lack of support. Outline the key points identified in the article The author of this research article makes valuable points in relation to fatigue and management of the CCF conditions among elderly women. In the first instance, the author notes that elderly women with CCF want supportive relationships in pursuit of dependency with the aim of enjoying freedom and independence. Lack of supportive relationships contributes to loneliness and unhealthy conditions among elderly women in pursuit of effective and efficient management of fatigue in CCF. What conclusions did the author/s make? The author of this qualitative research article makes two critical conclusions in relation to management of fatigue among women with CCF. In the first instance, lack of supportive relationship makes the elderly women with CCF to feel like a burden to others and they feel lonely, which creates suffering while counteracting well-being and health. In addition, the author notes that supportive relationships are valuable in enhancing independence of the elderly women with CCF. Rationale for choosing this article The rationale of this article relates to its applicability in the execution of this portfolio in accordance with the demands and facets of the second part. In addition, the article adheres to the limitations in selection of the journals for execution of this research portfolio. List of References Butler J (2012), “An overview of chronic heart failure management.” Nursing Times; 108: 14/15, 16-20. Dimitra A, RN, (2010), “Caring for the Heart Failure Patient: Contemporary Nursing Interventions.” Hospital Chronicles; Supplement: 1-8. Smith, Otto RF; Kupper, Nina; de Jonge, & Peter, de Jonge (2010). “Distinct trajectories of fatigue in chronic heart failure and their association with prognosis.” European Journal of Heart Failure; 12, 841–848. Sundin, K., Bruce, E., & Barremo, A. (2010), “Elderly women’s experiences of support when living with congestive heart failure.” International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being, 5(2). doi:10.3402/qhw.v5i2.5064 Read More