A cardiac nursing care plan should address perfusion, activity tolerance, fluid balance, pain, anxiety, and patient education.
Step 1: Assessment
Assess chest pain, blood pressure, heart rate, rhythm, oxygen saturation, respiratory status, peripheral perfusion, edema, weight, urine output, and activity tolerance. Review ECG findings, medications, cardiac history, and risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, and hypertension.
Step 2: Identify Nursing Diagnoses
Common examples include:
- Decreased cardiac output related to impaired myocardial function.
- Acute pain related to myocardial ischemia.
- Activity intolerance related to imbalance between oxygen supply and demand.
- Excess fluid volume related to heart failure.
- Anxiety related to acute illness or diagnosis.
Step 3: Set Goals
Use measurable goals, such as “patient will report chest pain relief within 30 minutes” or “patient will maintain oxygen saturation above 94%.”
Step 4: Implement Interventions
Administer prescribed cardiac medications, monitor ECG and vital signs, manage oxygen and activity levels, provide emotional support, and teach medication adherence, diet, symptom recognition, and follow-up.
Step 5: Evaluate
Compare outcomes with goals, document responses, and revise the plan if chest pain, arrhythmias, fluid overload, or activity intolerance persist.