Hospitalization for heart failure accounts for a substantial portion of the overall cost of caring for these patients and is a predictor of shortened survival in patients with chronic HF. Avoidance of readmission is critical as those hospitalized with HF face a 50% rate of readmission within 6 months and 25%–35% incidence of mortality within a year.
Knowledge of this syndrome is important in order to deliver comprehensive supportive care to these patients and reduce readmissions Intravenous drug therapy is an important adjunct in this effort. This article focuses on the syndrome as it relates to intravenous agents prescribed for the patient in the home setting.
Melissa McIntire Sherrod, RN, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Texas Christian University, Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Fort Worth, Texas.
Roger Graulty, BS, BSN, is a Critical Care Nurse, Texas Christian University, Harris School of Nursing, Fort Worth, Texas.
Mitch Crawford, RN, BSN, CCRN, is Nurse Anesthesia Graduate Student, Texas Christian University, School of Nurse Anesthesia, Fort Worth, Texas.
Dennis J. Cheek, RN, PhD, FAHA, is an Abell-Hanger Professor of Gerontological Nursing, Texas Christian University, Harris School of Nursing & School of Nurse Anesthesia, Fort Worth, Texas.
Address for correspondence: Melissa McIntire Sherrod, Texas Christian University, Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, TCU Box 298620, Fort Worth, TX 76129 (m.sherrod@tcu.edu).
The authors of this article have no significant ties, financial or otherwise, to any company that might have an interest in the publication of this educational activity.
