Nursing Care Plans on Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition in which plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply your heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. Plaque narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to your heart muscle. It also makes it more likely that blood clots will form in your arteries. Blood clots can partially or completely block blood flow. When your coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked, oxygen-rich blood can’t reach your heart muscle. This can cause angina or a heart attack. Without quick treatment, a heart attack can lead to serious problems and even death.

CAD is the most common type of heart disease. Lifestyle changes, medicines, and/or medical procedures can effectively prevent or treat CAD in most people. Other names for Coronary Artery Disease are Atherosclerosis, Coronary heart disease, Hardening of the arteries, Heart disease, Ischemic heart disease, and Narrowing of the arteries.
NCPs are:
1. Decreased Cardiac Output
2. Ineffective Tissue Perfusion
3. Acute Pain
4. Activity Intolerance
5. Fatigue

Decreased Cardiac Output - Coronary Artery Disease Nursing Care Plans

NDx: Decreased cardiac output r/t increased vascular resistance

Cad causes narrowing of blood vessels. This condition leads to intense pressure exerted on the walls of the blood vessels. The body’s compensatory mechanism is to increase the work load of the heart and thus the patient has decreased cardiac output.  Expected outcome


 Assessment :
S= ∅


Objective =The patient may manifest:
restlessness
increased bp
cold clammy skin
decreased peripheral pulses

 Planning :
Short term:

After 2-3 hours of nursing interventions, the patient will verbalize understanding of disease process.

Long term:

After two days of nursing interventions the patient will participate in activities to decrease in the heart’s workload

Nursing interventions and Rationale

1.Assess patient’s condition
                to determine possible prolems
2. Monitor and record vital signs
               for baseline data
3. Encourage patient to verbalize concerns
              to make client express his feelings
4. Encourage patient to change position every two hours
              to improve venous return
5. Encourage patient to do relaxation techniques
              to reduce stress
6. Encourage patient to engage in divertional activities such as chatting with family and friends.
             to divert attention and help patient lessen experienced pain and anxiety
7. Reinforced low salt and low fat diet
             to prevent further complications of the disease Short term:

Expected outcome:

Short term:
The patient shall have verbalizedUnderstanding of disease process.

Long term:

The patient shall have participated in activities to decrease in the heart’s workload


 Navigation:
1.Decreased Cardiac Output
2, Ineffective Tissue Perfusion
3. Acute Pain
4. Activity Intolerance
5. Fatigue