1. monitor v/s(vital signs)- paying particular attention to heart rate and rhythm. (some patients are chronic for their a-fib) and then there is controlled a-fib and uncontrolled a-fib) making a note of if and when the patient converted to a sinus rhythm based on if the doctor has ordered any drips(ie: cardizem or amio) 2. educate on medications: pt may be placed on amiodarone and asa long term to manage blood consistency. 3. educate on diagnostic tests: EKG, Echo 4. and if placed on coumadin make sure pt knows signs and symptoms of toxicity and to make their appts for lab checks, ie: PT/PTT/INR(coagulations) Hope this helps. Tamara MSN,RN
Heart failure patients always have very 'wet' chests, so they need to be nursed in High Fowlers position (sitting up, supported by pillows).
As they will be struggling to breathe, they will need oxygen.
They will need a vein open for the administration of medicines, so put up a drip or insert a venflon. Except in a dire emergency, nurses should not administer intravenous medication without a doctors orders.
The doctor will probably order a diuretic such as frusemide (lasix) and if so the patient may need an indwelling urinary catheter until they are starting to get stronger. They won't be able to go to the toilet on their own, and even a bedpan may be too tiring while they are acutely ill.
If they can eat at all, they will need small, digestible and nutritious meals. If not a liquid meal should be offered. But in practice, many acutely ill heart failure patients can't eat and depend on a drip to give them fluids, sugars and salts.
They will need care of pressure areas, regular repositioning in bed, bedbaths and general hygiene care. The mouth may become sore if it is dried out by oxygen and not naturally cleaned by chewing a bolus of food, so their mouths need inspection and care. A teaspoonful of live yoghurt several times a day can help keep their mouths hygienic. They will be more comfortable if lip balm or vaseline is put on their lips. Heart failure patients sweat a lot so they must be kept clean and dry.
Observations of pulse, temperature, respirations, blood pressure and oxygen saturation need to be done regularly and accurately charted. As does their intake and output.
Nurses need to keep gently reassuring them and explaining what is to be done and why, eg "You are rather breathless, Mrs Smith, so I'm going to give you some oxygen to help you. Is that OK? it will only be for a little while, until you feel better." Remember too that many members of the public are frightened of drips and they think they are for very seriously ill people, so make sure you explain its just to give them some fluids until they are well enough to eat again and that you will be able to put medicine in there too. A calm, reassured patient is much easier to nurse and will recover quicker. So keep popping in to see how they are doing and make sure they have access to the bell at all times.
what are the nursing responsibilities for cardiovascular disease?
give oxygen
Stop smoking
increase fluid intake
antibiotics and supportive measures, physical therapy etc
P. P. Turner has written: 'Advanced oil processing/utilization environmental engineering' -- subject(s): Combustion, Petroleum, Petroleum as fuel, Pollution, Refining 'The cardiovascular system' -- subject(s): Cardiovascular Diseases, Cardiovascular disease, Cardiovascular system, Diseases, Nurse's instruction, Nursing, Nursing texts
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Richard George Sanderson has written: 'The cardiac patient' -- subject(s): Cardiovascular disease nursing
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