Case study in perioperative right heart failure

Today, we are increasingly aware of the important role the right ventricle plays in maintaining hemodynamic stability. When the right ventricle fails, added stress is placed on the cardiovascular system. This article focuses on patients with perioperative right heart failure and the associated complex nursing care that is needed to manage these patients. Three major nursing diagnoses are reviewed, including decreased cardiac output, impaired gas exchange, and high risk for ineffective family coping.