The interrelation between renal and cardiac function. Physiology and pathophysiology with a focus on congestive heart failure.

The inter-relationship between the renal and cardiac systems is complex, but once understood it provides the critical care nurse with a wealth of knowledge to analyze and assess clinical situations. Being able to determine when the neurohumoral response is compensating for or complicating a disease process is an essential skill for the critical care nurse in his or her daily decision making processes.