Management of the Critically Ill Aging Client with a CHF Exacerbation

Course overview

The physical therapist management of aging patients with a heart failure (HF) exacerbation is complex, and requires ongoing clinical reasoning to determine the patient's readiness to participate, as well as their ability to progress versus their need to rest. The considerations that need to be weighed are related to the patient's cardiovascular function and hemodynamic stability, their pulmonary function and dependence on ventilatory support, positive pressure ventilation (or supplemental oxygen), renal function, and their neuromuscular function and overall muscular weakness that can be a result of a prolonged critical illness and immobility. Medications and interventions required to manage their critical illness must also be considered. Participants will learn the pathophysiology of HF related to the prolonged illness as well as the sequelae of an exacerbation, the evaluative components necessary to weigh into the clinical reasoning of when a patient is ready to participate, as well as when an individual demonstrates that they have exceeded their capacity. Through a case-based presentation, the learner will gain insights into the many possible clinical scenarios that can present with an aging patient with a HF exacerbation who is critically ill.