Reflecting on Heart Failure Sounds as a Student Nurse.

I was supervised by staff nurse during our community outreach to auscultate on one of our patients who has been diagnosed with dementia and heart failure. We both introduce ourselves and informed the patient the reason for our visit. Even though we called to inform the patient and her daughter prior to our visit but it is very important to also gain consent from the patient on arrival before any observation is carried out.

Auscultation was part of the observations. My supervisor first auscultated and asked me to listen to the heart. Listening to the heart sounds of a patient with heart failure condition has been an experience in my journey in the community as a student nurse. It’s not just about identifying murmurs and irregular rhythms; it’s about understanding the human story behind the sounds and comprehending the physiological implications of heart failure.

There was a cacophony of murmurs, gallops, and irregular rhythms that painted a vivid picture of the heart struggle to maintain adequate circulation. Each sound seemed to narrate a different aspect of the patient’s journey with heart failure, the turbulence of blood flow, the strain on the cardiac muscles, and the compromised efficiency of the heart’s pumping mechanism.

During the assessment I asked the patient if she has pain anywhere in her body or around her chest, but she said there was pain present.

This deeper understanding not only enhanced my clinical knowledge but also fueled my curiosity to explore innovative approaches to managing and treating heart failure.

This has been my first placement in the community as a student. I have met experienced and qualified clinicians and other Outreach team who are all ready to support me in my placement.