Risk Of Decreased Cardiac Tissue Perfusion

Introduction for Nursing Diagnosis: Risk Of Decreased Cardiac Tissue Perfusion

nursing diagnosis is a standardized method used by healthcare professionals to define diseases, post-op states, interventions and goals of care. The nursing diagnosis “Risk Of Decreased Cardiac Tissue Perfusion” is applicable to patients who are at risk of having a poor cardiac blood supply. This will lead to impaired tissue perfusion and further complications if not addressed. In this post, we will look at defining characteristics, related factors, risk population, associated problems, suggestions of use and alternative nursing diagnoses, usage tips, NOC results, and NIC interventions related to this diagnosis.

Nursing Diagnosis Definition

The nursing diagnosis Risk Of Decreased Cardiac Tissue Perfusion is defined as “a state in which an individual is at increased risk for a decrease in tissue perfusion distal to the myocardium due to decreased forward flow of oxygenated blood".

Defining Characteristics

Subjective Data

• Complaints of chest pain or uneasiness
• Failure to keep up usual activities
• History of underlying diagnosis known to impair cardiac function such as coronary artery disease and hypertension
• History of excessive alcohol or tobacco consumption

Objective Data

• Pulse rate and BP at abnormal range
• Decreased oxygen saturation of the extremities
• Abnormal Electrocardiogram (ECG) measures
• Atherosclerotic vessels on echocardiogram
• Increased cardiac enzymes
• Gallop rhythm on auscultation

Related Factors

• Circulatory system problems that impair the movement of blood may interfere with the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the cardiac tissue leading to a decrease in cardiac tissue perfusion.
• Low blood pressure or hypotension can interfere with blood circulation and hinder the perfusion of cardiac tissue.
• Diseases of the heart including congestive heart failure, valvular disorders and coronary artery diseases are known to interfere with blood supply to the myocardium, leading to a decrease in cardiac tissue perfusion.
• A decrease in cerebral perfusion can lead to a decrease in cardiac tissue perfusion.
• Inadequate rest, physical exertion and the use of certain drugs like beta blockers can lead to decreased cardiac tissue perfusion.
• Damaged autonomic nervous system, nervous system stimulants, irritants, alcohol abuse, tobacco use, drug abuse, inadequate rest, and physical exertion are also known to contribute to cardiac tissue hypoperfusion.
• Exposure to extreme temperatures, prolonged bed rest, and dehydration can adversely affect the circulating volume, resulting in a decrease in cardiac tissue perfusion.

Risk Population

Individuals at an increased risk of decreased cardiac tissue perfusion include those who have had a past history of heart disease, ischemic heart diseases, hypertension, diabetes, airway obstructions, and a sedentary lifestyle. Additionally, those undergoing surgical procedures, exceeding their activity level and those taking certain drugs such as beta blockers may be at risk.

Associated Problems

Decreased cardiac tissue perfusion can lead to many associated problems such as myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, ventricular dysfunction, and cardiac arrhythmias. Additionally, it can lead to systemic vasoconstriction, hypoxia, tissue necrosis and cell death.

Suggestions of Use

The Nursing Diagnosis “Risk of Decreased Cardiac Tissue Perfusion” can be used to identify individuals at risk of having a decrease in tissue perfusion and then develop appropriate interventions for managing the same. It needs to be assessed as part of the holistic nursing care plan for assessing the patient’s risk for cardiac tissue hypoperfusion.

Suggested Alternative Nursing Diagnosis

• Acute Pain
• Activity Intolerance
• Disturbed Sleep Pattern
• Ineffective Health Maintenance
• Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements
• Risk for Injury

Usage Tips

• It is important to consider the patient’s risk factors, medical history and lifestyle before making a diagnosis of “Risk of Decreased Cardiac Tissue Perfusion”.
• Assess cardiovascular risk, endothelial cell lining integrity, and connectivity between peripheral and cardiac muscles before diagnosing.
• Monitor the patient’s vital signs, EKG and oxygen saturation levels frequently.
• Perform imaging studies such as echocardiograms and CT scans, when necessary.
• Encourage the patient to engage in daily physical activity and quit smoking and drinking if possible.
• Educate the patient about diet, exercise and stress management.

NOC Results

Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) is a systematic method for evaluating the effects of the intervention implemented upon the patient.

• Activity Tolerance: The ability of the patient to perform activities without undue fatigue or dyspnoea.
• Ambulation: The ability of the patient to walk independently.
• Cardiac Output: The amount of blood ejected from the left ventricle of the heart.
• Blood Pressure: The pressure of the blood against the walls of the arteries.
• Myocardial Contractility: The force of contraction of the cardiac muscle.
• Oxygen Saturation:The percentage of oxygen-saturated haemoglobin in the arterial blood.

NIC Interventions

Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) is a system for classifying such interventions as providing assessments, education, advising and guidance for managing a health issue.

• Cardiac Monitoring: Providing continuous monitoring of vital signs, EKG, and oxygen saturation for preemptive risk management and reducing complications associated with low tissue perfusion.
• Pain Management: Assessing and managing the pain levels of the patient.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/DC Shock: Providing immediate, aggressive lifesaving interventions as needed.
• Medication Administration: Administering medications as prescribed to reduce risk, stabilize the patient, maintain normal cardiac output and reduce pain.
• Fluid Management: Managing fluids, electrolytes, and acid base balance to restore perfusion to the tissues.
• Education: Educating the patient about risk factors, lifestyle modifications and treatment options to reduce the risks of decreased cardiac tissue perfusion.

Conclusion

The nursing diagnosis “Risk of Decreased Cardiac Tissue Perfusion” is used to identify individuals who are at risk of having a decrease in the perfusion of cardiac tissue. It is important to assess the patient’s risk factors, medical history and lifestyle before enacting a proper plan of action to manage the condition. Early interventions through monitoring and medication administration have been known to reduce the risks of cardiac tissue hypoperfusion.

FAQ

• What is nursing diagnosis?
  nursing diagnosis is a standardized method used by healthcare professionals to define diseases, post-op states, interventions and goals of care.
• What is the definition of the nursing diagnosis Risk of Decreased Cardiac Tissue Perfusion?
  The nursing diagnosis Risk of Decreased Cardiac Tissue Perfusion is defined as “a state in which an individual is at increased risk for a decrease in tissue perfusion distal to the myocardium due to decreased forward flow of oxygenated blood.”
• What are some of the associated problems of decreased cardiac tissue perfusion?
  Decreased cardiac tissue perfusion can lead to myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, ventricular dysfunction, and cardiac arrhythmias. It can also lead to systemic vasoconstriction, hypoxia, tissue necrosis and cell death.