International journal of palliative nursing
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A lack of comprehensive and effective palliative care is clearly evident in a number of studies describing the end of life for patients with advanced heart failure. These patients have been portrayed as experiencing a wide array of poorly managed symptoms. ⋯ Nurses must manage care beyond the illness trajectory from an emphasis of palliative care as each of these patients may face significant illness burden and even sudden death. The purpose of this paper is to: discuss the current status of palliative care for patients with advanced heart failure; explain the basic pathophysiology and resulting signs and symptoms of advanced heart failure; describe pharmacological and non-pharmacological symptom management strategies for patients with advanced heart failure.