Homework
Competency
Prioritize nursing care strategies for clients with cardiovascular disorders.
Scenario
Cardiac disease a one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Since it is so prevalent, you want to ensure your co-workers are fully prepared to care for patients. You are hosting a lunch to provide a refresher on heart disease and how to care for patients. During the lunch, you will present a PowerPoint Presentation to your co-workers.
Instructions
Choose one of the cardiac diseases that we covered in the last two modules. Within your presentation include:
- Provide a detailed overview of the disease process
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Multidimensional care including risk reduction, health promotion, and nursing interventions specific to the disease process
Answer:
For this presentation, I have chosen to focus on Heart Failure.
Heart Failure:
Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition in which the heart muscle is weakened and unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body’s metabolic needs. The condition can occur in either the left ventricle (left-sided heart failure) or right ventricle (right-sided heart failure), but left-sided heart failure is more common.
Diagnosis:
The diagnosis of heart failure is based on a combination of clinical symptoms and diagnostic tests. Some of the symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs and ankles, and rapid or irregular heartbeat. Diagnostic tests such as echocardiography, electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, and blood tests can help confirm the diagnosis and determine the underlying cause.
Treatment:
The treatment of heart failure depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Some common treatments include lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, and a low-sodium diet. Medications such as diuretics, beta-blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors can also be used to manage symptoms and improve heart function. In some cases, medical procedures such as implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) may be necessary.
Multidimensional care:
- Risk reduction:
- Encourage a healthy lifestyle by promoting regular exercise and a balanced diet
- Educate patients on the importance of managing chronic conditions that may contribute to heart failure, such as hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease
- Encourage smoking cessation
- Health promotion:
- Educate patients on their condition and provide resources for self-care management
- Encourage regular follow-up appointments and medication adherence
- Monitor and manage potential complications of heart failure, such as fluid retention and electrolyte imbalances
- Nursing interventions specific to the disease process:
- Monitor vital signs and fluid balance
- Administer medications as prescribed
- Educate patients on signs and symptoms of exacerbations and when to seek medical attention
- Monitor and manage potential complications, such as pulmonary edema and cardiac arrhythmias
In summary, heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition that requires multidimensional care to effectively manage. Early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and ongoing support are critical for improving outcomes and quality of life for patients with heart failure.
