Introduction
nursing diagnosis, more commonly known as a NANDA diagnosis, is used to diagnose and care for patients in the medical field. The Risk of Decreased Cardiac Output nursing diagnosis is often used to identify and treat medical conditions, such as heart disease and congestive heart failure.
Nursing Diagnosis Definition
Risk of Decreased Cardiac Output: Risk for a decrease in the cardiac output relative to the draining oxygen demand, leading to decreased organ perfusion and systemic hypotension.
Defining Characteristics
Subjective Data
- History of altered blood pressure, heart rate, or respiratory rate
- Patient or family reports of deficits in cardiac performance
- Patient or family reports of activity intolerance with minimal exertion
- Patient or family reports chest pain
- History of altered mental status
Objective Data
- Anxiety, restlessness, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), chest pain
- Decreased urine output
- Poor capillary refill, pallor, diaphoresis
- Presence of peripheral edema
- Reduced skin temperature, decreased arterial oxygen saturation
- Non-pulsating distal pulses
- Anemia
- Congestive heart failure
- Coronary artery disease
- Hypovolemia
- Myocardial infarction
- Shock/shock states
Explanation: Patients may be at risk for decreased cardiac output due to a variety of conditions, including but not limited to those listed above.
Risk Population
- Elderly individuals
- Those with a history of heart failure or coronary artery disease
- Overweight individuals
- Patients with high blood pressure
- Individuals with diabetes
- Patients with a history of smoking
Explanation: These populations have an increased risk for decreased cardiac output.
Associated Problems
- Increased respiratory rate
- Altered thought processes
- Decreased renal perfusion
- Cardiac dysrhythmias
- Edema
- Apathic behavior
Explanation: These are only a few examples of associated problems which can arise from decreased cardiac output. Other potential problems include cognitive dysfunction and poor wound healing.
Suggestions for Use
- Regular exercise/activity
- Medication and/or dietary changes
- Smoking cessation
- Weight loss, if necessary
- Relaxation techniques
- Monitoring and addressing environmental factors
Explanation: These suggestions can help lower the risk of decreased cardiac output in an individual. It is important to consider all factors, such as activity level and weight, when forming a plan for decreased cardiac output prevention.
Suggested Alternative Nursing Diagnosis
- Ineffective Peripheral Tissue Perfusion
- Acute Pain
- Ineffective Cardiac Tissue Perfusion
- Risk for Reduced Cardiac Output
- Risk for Imbalanced Fluid Volume
- Impaired Gas Exchange
Explanation: Although the Risk of Decreased Cardiac Output diagnosis is the primary focus in this case, it is important to consider alternative diagnoses which may also be appropriate, if applicable.
Usage Tips
- Always assess for related factors and associated problems
- Seek out patient or family input when evaluating symptoms
- Address multiple risk factors in prevention plan
- Continuously monitor patient's condition and adjust plan as needed
- Encourage lifestyle modifications, if necessary
- Educate patient/family on cardiac output parameters and consequences of instability
NOC Outcomes
- Cardiopulmonary Function: Strength, Tolerance, Breathing Pattern
- Tissue Perfusion: Cardiac, Neurological, Peripheral
- Cardiac Output
- Circulatory Status
- Energy Balance
- Physical Activity
Explanation: Positive outcomes from implementation of a proper plan of care include improved muscular strength and breathing pattern, maintenance or increase of tissue perfusion, improved circulation, better energy balance, and increased physical activity levels.
NIC Interventions
- Cardiovascular Monitoring
- Health Promotion/Education
- Fluid Management
- Activity Intolerance Treatment
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Medication Administration
Explanation: These interventions are commonly used in the treatment and prevention of decreased cardiac output. Careful monitoring, health education, fluid management, activity intolerance treatment, cardiac rehabilitation, and medication administration are essential to successful management and prevention of the condition.
Conclusion
The Risk of Decreased Cardiac Output nursing diagnosis is used to identify and manage an individual's risk for a decrease in their cardiac output relative to the oxygen demand. Proper assessment of the patient, related factors and associated problems, developing an individualized plan of care, and monitoring of vital signs are essential components in successful management of this risk.
FAQs
- What causes decreased cardiac output? Decreased cardiac output can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as anemia, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypovolemia, myocardial infarction, shock/shock states, elderly age, a history of heart failure or coronary artery disease, being overweight, high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking.
- What are the complications of decreased cardiac output? Complications from decreased cardiac output may include increased respiratory rate, altered thought processes, decreased renal perfusion, cardiac dysrhythmias, edema, apathetic behavior, cognitive dysfunction, and poor wound healing.
- What interventions can be used to lower the risk of decreased cardiac output? Strategies for lowering the risk of decreased cardiac output include regular exercise/activity, medication and/or dietary changes, smoking cessation, weight loss if necessary, relaxation techniques, and monitoring and addressing environmental factors.
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