Nursing care plan for decreased cardiac output

Introduction

A nursing care plan is a detailed outline of a patient's care and treatment, created by a Registered Nurse (RN). It includes the assessment, diagnosis, outcome, intervention, and evaluation of patients with decreased cardiac output. The purpose of this plan is to provide quality care to ensure maximum benefit for the patient.

Assessment

Pathophysiology: A decrease in cardiac output is an impairment of the heart's ability to effectively pump blood throughout the body. This can occur due to inadequate filling of the atria, reduced contractility of the ventricles, or decreased end-diastolic volume.

Signs and Symptoms: Patients with decreased cardiac output may have dyspnea, fatigue, altered mental status, hypotension, decreased urine output, and edema.

Nursing Diagnosis

Based on the assessment, the nursing diagnosis of “Decreased Cardiac Output” has been identified.

Outcomes

The expected outcomes in this care plan for decreased cardiac output include:

• improved cardiac output as evidenced by normal vital signs and increased urine output
• decreased signs and symptoms associated with decreased cardiac output
• patient and significant other demonstrating understanding of medical management regimen

Interventions

The interventions for this care plan for decreased cardiac output will include:

• monitoring vital signs and urine output
• administering oxygen, if ordered
• administering diuretics and/or vasodilators, as ordered
• providing patient and significant others with education regarding cardiac medications, nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle modifications

Rationales

Monitoring Vital Signs and Urine Output: This will allow the nurse to assess effectiveness of interventions, such as medications, oxygen, or nutritional supplements.

Administering Oxygen: This will help to improve oxygen saturation and cardiac output.

Administering diuretics and/or vasodilators: This will help to reduce preload and afterload on the heart, reducing cardiac output.

Providing Education: This will help the patient understand how to manage their cardiac condition effectively, ultimately leading to improved cardiac output.

Evaluation

The patient’s responses to the implemented interventions will be evaluated utilizing the following criteria:

• improvement in vital signs
• improvement in urine output
• decreased edema
• improved mental status

Conclusion

Decreased cardiac output can lead to life-threatening complications if not managed properly. A nursing care plan for decreased cardiac output is essential in providing quality care. This care plan focuses on monitoring vital signs and urine output, administering oxygen, administering diuretics and/or vasodilators, and providing patient and family education.

FAQs:

• What is decreased cardiac output?
  • Decreased cardiac output is an impairment of the heart's ability to effectively pump blood throughout the body.
• What are the signs and symptoms of decreased cardiac output?
  • Patients with decreased cardiac output may have dyspnea, fatigue, altered mental status, hypotension, decreased urine output, and edema.
• What interventions are included in the care plan for decreased cardiac output?
  • The interventions for this care plan for decreased cardiac output include monitoring vital signs and urine output, administering oxygen, administering diuretics and/or vasodilators, and providing patient and family education.
• What kind of education should be provided to the patient?
  • Patient and family education should cover information regarding cardiac medications, nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle modifications.
• How is the effectiveness of the interventions evaluated?
  • The effectiveness of the interventions is evaluated based on improvements in vital signs, urine output, edema, and mental status.