Inotropic Therapy for the Treatment of Chronic Congestive Heart Failure

This instructional course has been designed to provide conceptual and operational knowledge to the licensed clinician interested in the provision of inotropic medications. Administration of these drugs is becoming more common as the population ages and pressure increases to reduce CHF-related hospitalizations. For the licensed clinician involved in providing this valuable therapy, this course contains current practices for best patient outcomes. This course provides 2 contact hours of continuing education.

State Boards of Nursing have varying positions on the role of the LPN/LVN in the administration of inotropic therapy. A link to each state board of nursing is listed here. Competency requirements are obtained and maintained through the clinician's employer, facility or institution.

In early 2024, the Infusion Nurses Society (INS), recognized as the global authority in infusion therapy, released the updated Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice. The INS sets the accepted standards for infusion therapy practice for all healthcare settings. This course is based on the current best practices as defined by the Infusion Nursing Society and other governing agencies such as the CDC, and FDA.

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Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to:

  1. Identify at least three indications for inotropic therapy.
  2. Demonstrate understanding of inotropic medication administration by recognizing the steps involved in medication preparation and infusion.
  3. Recognize at least three potential complications of inotropic therapy.
  4. State at least three inotropic monitoring measurements.

Curriculum

Chapter 1: Heart Failure

  • Scope of Problem
  • Signs and Symptoms
  • Initial Assessment
Chapter 2: Treatment
  • Diet
  • Exercise
  • Surgery
  • Medication
    • ACE Inhibitors
    • Aldosterone antagonists
    • Angiotensin receptor blockers
    • Beta blockers
    • Diuretics
    • Vasopressors and Inotropes
Chapter 3: Inotropic Medication Administration
  • Vascular Access
  • Equipment
  • Procedures
Chapter 4: Complications

Chapter 5: Monitoring and Documentation
  • California Bill 241
  • Implicit Bias in Healthcare
  • What is Implicit Bias?
  • Implications of Implicit Bias in Healthcare
  • How to Reduce Implicit Bias

Price: $24.00

Contact Hours: 2

Course Author

Pamela Clark

Pamela Clark, CRNI, is an infusion nurse with the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. She has more than 35 years of experience in infusion therapy and infusion education with both licensed nurses and patients. Her experience spans multiple infusion settings including: acute care, long-term care, home infusion, and ambulatory infusion care. She also has experience in oncology and oncology research.

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Course Accreditation

See our Accreditation Statements page to view our accreditation information.

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