Resumo (EN)
Objective – To evaluate the knowledge of the undergraduates on nursing care to the patient with congestive heart failure (CHF). It is a chronic disease, which is among the leading causes of deaths worldwide. It is a public health problem in Brazil and it requires that health professionals are prepared to act accordingly, in order to provide quality of life for patients with CHF. Methods – This is a descriptive exploratory field study with a quantitative perspective. It was made a data collection from August 20 to September 20, 2011, through a case study of a patient with CHF, containing 7 nursing diagnosis, from which only 3 were validated by specialist nurses. Results –The participants were 74 undergraduates. The indices of their correct responses of the validated nursing diagnosis were: 75.67% for Control ineffective therapeutic regimen, 68,91% for Excessive fluid volume and 54.05% for Activity intolerance. Conclusion – The nurse performs a key role not only in diagnosis but also in treatment and outcome of patients with CHF. The work of the nurse involves instructing the patient and family to self-care.