Heart Disease Nursing Diagnosis And Comprehensive Patient Care

Effective daily nursing care for cardiomyopathy involves a holistic approach that includes medication management, oxygen therapy, dietary adjustments, and vigilant monitoring for potential complications. Proper care can significantly improve the quality of life and reduce the risk of disease progression.

Medication Management

Patients should be guided to strictly follow medical prescriptions. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) are commonly prescribed to help reverse ventricular remodeling. Beta-blockers play a crucial role in reducing cardiac workload by decreasing heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand. Aldosterone receptor antagonists assist in suppressing the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), thereby minimizing fluid retention. When necessary, diuretics are used to promote fluid excretion, which helps alleviate pressure on the cardiovascular system.

Oxygen Therapy And Positioning

In addition to pharmacological treatment, patient positioning and oxygen administration are essential. Encouraging patients to maintain a semi-Fowler's position can enhance respiratory efficiency. Nasal cannula oxygen therapy should be administered as prescribed. If shortness of breath persists despite nasal oxygen delivery, healthcare providers may recommend switching to a non-rebreather mask or other appropriate oxygen delivery systems to ensure adequate oxygenation.

Nutritional Guidelines

Dietary habits significantly impact cardiac health. Patients should adopt a low-sodium, low-fat eating plan to reduce hypertension and fluid retention. It is also advisable to limit consumption of high-water-content fruits such as watermelon, peaches, cantaloupe, and honeydew, especially in advanced stages of heart disease. Instead, incorporating fiber-rich vegetables like spinach, amaranth, olive cabbage, and celery can support digestive health and overall well-being.

Monitoring And Preventing Complications

Regular medical follow-ups are vital to track disease progression. Echocardiograms should be performed periodically to assess whether there is progressive cardiac enlargement or declining ejection fraction. For patients at high risk of thromboembolism, sudden symptoms such as headache, limb pain, or chest discomfort should be taken seriously. Immediate medical evaluation is recommended to rule out life-threatening conditions like stroke, pulmonary embolism, or deep vein thrombosis.