Atherosclerosis is a chronic cardiovascular condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in arterial walls. This buildup can lead to reduced blood flow and potential complications. This nursing diagnosis focuses on identifying risk factors, managing symptoms, preventing complications, and promoting cardiovascular health.
Causes (Related to)
Atherosclerosis develops due to various factors that contribute to arterial plaque formation:
- Elevated blood lipid levels
- Hypertension
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Diabetes mellitus
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
Risk Factors include:
- Advanced age
- Family history of cardiovascular disease
- Male gender
- Post-menopausal status
- Chronic stress
- Poor dietary habits
Contributing Conditions include:
- Metabolic syndrome
- Chronic kidney disease
- Inflammatory conditions
- Sleep apnea
- Excessive alcohol consumption
Signs and Symptoms (As evidenced by)
Atherosclerosis presents with various manifestations depending on the affected arteries and disease progression.
Subjective: (Patient reports)
- Chest pain or pressure (angina)
- Shortness of breath with activity
- Leg pain during walking (claudication)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Numbness or weakness in extremities
- Memory problems
Objective: (Nurse assesses)
- Elevated blood pressure
- Abnormal lipid profile
- Weak or absent peripheral pulses
- Decreased ankle-brachial index
- Cool extremities
- Skin changes
- Delayed capillary refill
- Changes in cognitive function
Expected Outcomes
Successful management of atherosclerosis is indicated by:
- Improved circulation to affected areas
- Maintained blood pressure within the target range
- Improved lipid profile
- Enhanced activity tolerance
- Adoption of a heart-healthy lifestyle
- Prevention of complications
- Adherence to prescribed medications
- Regular participation in exercise program
Nursing Assessment
Cardiovascular Assessment
- Monitor vital signs
- Assess peripheral pulses
- Check capillary refill
- Evaluate skin color and temperature
- Assess for edema
Risk Factor Evaluation
- Review family history
- Assess lifestyle habits
- Document current medications
- Check compliance with treatment
- Evaluate stress levels
Symptom Assessment
- Monitor for chest pain
- Assess activity tolerance
- Check for claudication
- Evaluate cognitive function
- Document neurological symptoms
Laboratory Monitoring
- Review lipid profile
- Check blood glucose levels
- Monitor kidney function
- Assess inflammatory markers
- Track coagulation studies
Lifestyle Assessment
- Evaluate dietary habits
- Assess physical activity level
- Document smoking status
- Check alcohol consumption
- Review stress management techniques
Nursing Care Plans
Nursing Care Plan 1: Decreased Cardiac Output
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Decreased Cardiac Output related to reduced coronary blood flow secondary to atherosclerotic changes as evidenced by angina, fatigue, and decreased activity tolerance.
Related Factors:
- Arterial plaque buildup
- Reduced coronary perfusion
- Increased cardiac workload
- Impaired oxygen delivery
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Monitor vital signs and hemodynamics
Rationale: Identifies changes in cardiac function and guides interventions - Assess activity tolerance
Rationale: Prevents overexertion and cardiac strain - Administer prescribed medications
Rationale: Improves cardiac function and reduces symptoms
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will maintain stable vital signs
- The patient will report reduced anginal episodes
- The patient will demonstrate improved activity tolerance
Nursing Care Plan 2: Ineffective Tissue Perfusion
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Ineffective Tissue Perfusion related to atherosclerotic vessel changes as evidenced by decreased peripheral pulses and claudication.
Related Factors:
- Arterial obstruction
- Reduced blood flow
- Endothelial dysfunction
- Vascular changes
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Assess peripheral circulation q4h
Rationale: Early detection of perfusion changes - Position affected limbs appropriately
Rationale: Promotes optimal blood flow - Monitor for complications
Rationale: Prevents tissue damage
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will maintain adequate tissue perfusion
- The patient will demonstrate improved peripheral pulses
- The patient will report decreased claudication
Nursing Care Plan 3: Risk for Acute Pain
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Risk for Acute Pain related to tissue ischemia secondary to atherosclerosis as evidenced by reports of intermittent chest pain and claudication.
Related Factors:
- Reduced blood flow
- Tissue hypoxia
- Inflammatory response
- Nerve compression
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Assess pain characteristics
Rationale: Guides pain management strategies - Implement pain relief measures
Rationale: Reduces discomfort and anxiety - Teach pain management techniques
Rationale: Empowers patient in self-management
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will report decreased pain intensity
- The patient will demonstrate effective pain management techniques
- The patient will maintain a comfort level
Nursing Care Plan 4: Ineffective Health Management
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Ineffective Health Management related to knowledge deficit regarding atherosclerosis management as evidenced by poor adherence to treatment plan.
Related Factors:
- Limited understanding of the condition
- Complex treatment regimen
- Lifestyle challenges
- Inadequate support system
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Provide disease management education
Rationale: Improves understanding and compliance - Develop an individualized care plan
Rationale: Addresses specific patient needs - Facilitate lifestyle modifications
Rationale: Promotes cardiovascular health
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will demonstrate an understanding of the condition.
- The patient will adhere to the treatment plan
- The patient will make positive lifestyle changes
Nursing Care Plan 5: Risk for Falls
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Risk for Falls related to impaired cerebral perfusion secondary to atherosclerosis as evidenced by dizziness and unsteady gait.
Related Factors:
- Reduced cerebral blood flow
- Medication side effects
- Physical deconditioning
- Environmental hazards
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Implement fall precautions
Rationale: Prevents injury - Assess gait and balance
Rationale: Identifies fall risk factors - Modify the environment for safety
Rationale: Reduces fall hazards
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will maintain safe mobility
- The patient will demonstrate fall-prevention strategies
- The patient will remain free from falls
References
- Ackley, B. J., Ladwig, G. B., Makic, M. B., Martinez-Kratz, M. R., & Zanotti, M. (2023). Nursing diagnoses handbook: An evidence-based guide to planning care. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
- Edwards MS, Corriere MA. Contemporary management of atherosclerotic renovascular disease. J Vasc Surg. 2009 Nov;50(5):1197-210. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2009.05.048. Epub 2009 Jul 12. PMID: 19595533.
- Harding, M. M., Kwong, J., & Hagler, D. (2022). Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems, Single Volume. Elsevier.
- Herdman, T. H., Kamitsuru, S., & Lopes, C. (2024). NANDA International Nursing Diagnoses – Definitions and Classification, 2024-2026.
- Ignatavicius, D. D., Rebar, C., & Heimgartner, N. M. (2023). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care. Elsevier.
- Lumu W, Bahendeka S, Kibirige D, Wesonga R, Mutebi RK. Effectiveness of a nurse-led management intervention on systolic blood pressure among type 2 diabetes patients in Uganda: a cluster randomized trial. Clin Diabetes Endocrinol. 2024 May 20;10(1):16. doi: 10.1186/s40842-024-00173-w. PMID: 38764058; PMCID: PMC11103986.
- Silvestri, L. A. (2023). Saunders comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN examination. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
