Heart Failure – Right Sided (HEAD), Left-Sided (CHOP) Nursing Mnemonic

Download for FREE today -  special Mnemonics Cheatsheet - so you can be SURE that you have that Must Know information down:  bit.ly/nursing-memory   Outline HEAD - Right Sided H-Hepatomegaly E-Edema (Bipedal) A-Ascites D-Distended Neck Veins CHOP - Left-Sided C-Cough H-Hemoptysis O-Orthopnea P-Pulmonary Congestion (crackles/rales)  Description Right sided heart failure will primarily manifest as central edema as the right side of the heart takes fluid from the body and moves it forward. If this portion of the pump is broken, fluid will become “backed up” behind the pump and therefore within the body. Left sided heart failure will primarily manifest as pulmonary edema as the left side of the heart moves blood from the lungs throughout the body. If this portion of the pump is broken the blood will become “backed up” within the lungs. Left sided heart failure can often lead to right sided heart failure.