Question

Consider the following nursing interventions for a patient recovering from a STEMI. Explain the nurses role in these interventions and describe the expected outcomes for the patient for each intervention.

i) Acute pain
ii) Activity intolerance
iii) Fear/anxiety
iv) Risk for decreased cardiac output
v) Risk for ineffective tissue perfusion
vi) Risk for excess fluid volume
vii) Deficient knowledge

Answer 1

Nurses have a multifaceted role in caring for a patient recovering from a STEMI, encompassing pain management, activity progression, psychological support, maintaining cardiac output, ensuring effective tissue perfusion and fluid balance, and educating the patient. The expected outcomes are pain reduction, increased tolerance to activity, reduced anxiety, adequate cardiac and perfusion statuses, normal fluid balance, and improved patient knowledge.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nursing Interventions for a Patient Recovering from a STEMI

Nurses play a critical role in the care and recovery of a patient following a STEMI (ST-elevated myocardial infarction). Here are the interventions and the expected outcomes:

1. Acute pain: Nurses administer pain-relief medications and ensure patient comfort. Expected outcome: Reduction in pain levels and improvement in patient comfort.
2. Activity intolerance: Gradual increase in activity levels under careful supervision. Expected outcome: Improved endurance and reduced fatigue during activities.
3. Fear/anxiety: Provide psychological support and reassurance. Expected outcome: Reduced anxiety levels and increased patient coping mechanisms.
4. Risk for decreased cardiac output: Monitor hemodynamic parameters and cardiac medications. Expected outcome: Maintenance of optimal cardiac output.
5. Risk for ineffective tissue perfusion: Assess for signs of poor perfusion and administer oxygen or medications as needed. Expected outcome: Adequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation.
6. Risk for excess fluid volume: Monitor intake and output, administer diuretics if prescribed. Expected outcome: Normal fluid balance and prevention of fluid overload.
7. Deficient knowledge: Provide education on disease management, lifestyle modifications, and medications. Expected outcome: Improved patient understanding and adherence to treatment plan.

• The nurse ensures that patient care is coordinated with the surgical and anesthesia teams, reviews critical steps and expected surgical outcomes, and maintains readiness of equipment and sterility. Through these interventions, the nursing team aims to optimize recovery, reduce complications, and educate the patient for long-term health management.