Nursing guidelines for the self-care of people with heart failure

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify the main nursing guidelines for the self-care of people with heart failure in the scientific literature. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The present study is an integrative literature review based on LILACS, MEDLINE, BDENF databases and on the SciELO virtual library in order to search for resources published between 2009 and 2019, using the descriptors ‘heart failure’, ‘self-care’, and ‘nursing’. RESULTS: Based on the 21 study samples, the presente study highlights the primary recommendations for the self-care of people with heart failure: Pharmacological adherence; Signals monitoring, symptoms and physical weight; Hydrosaline restriction; Physical activities; Eating habits; Knowledge of heart failure; Vaccination; Family support; Alcohol consumption; Smoking cessation; Rest; Sexual activity and Work activity. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the direct correlation between the appropriate self-care practice and the significative reduction in the rate of readmissions and the clinical decompensation of the condition.