Nursing Care for Atherosclerosis

Creating a plan of care for a patient with atherosclerosis is highly dependent on patient education.  Because atherosclerosis is a disease that cannot truly be determined until fatalities such as myocardial infarctions and strokes occur, a large role of the nurse is informing patients of the many risk factors, and how a change of lifestyle can help prevent atherosclerosis.  Consequently, the primary patient outcome in the case of atherosclerosis is to inform the patient on ways to prevent or slow the progression of the disease.  For instance, teaching them that living an overall healthier life  such as eating a healthier diet, participating in physical activities frequently, and refraining from tobacco, can help decrease risk for atherosclerosis, and are number one preventative measures.

Further, it is important to make patients aware of what signs and symptoms to look for. Such signs and symptoms could include a sudden or gradual onset of pain in the lower back, groin, abdomen or chest, a bluish hue or coolness of the lower extremities, increased weakness and fatigue, and a decreased urine output.

A nursing plan of care for this disease also depends on the location affected. If someone does not yet know whether or not they have atherosclerosis, this is not helpful, but for a patient who has already been diagnosed, the nurse can be more specific in the treatments necessary as well as patient education.

Simply being aware of how to work toward preventing atherosclerosis and knowing what signs and symptoms to identify
can drastically improve an individual' chances toward prevention and early detection.

The website below is very helpful in outlining the measures taken by the nurse, and does well in addressing elements to assess, trigger factors to identify, causes, risk factors, and treatment.

http://www.nanda-books.com/2012/10/nursing-care-plan-for-atherosclerosis.html