cardiomyopathy help please!

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hi, my patient has cardiomyopathy, but i really dont know how to take care of him with this. i tried searching google, but nothing helpful comes up about the plan of care of someone who has cardiomyopathy

so please, could someone help me? thank you

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Cardiomyopathy is a chronic,progressive disease...you have to keeep assessing your patient (do they have an active chest pain going on? What meds they are on? What is their heart rate and BP?

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Specializes in rehab.

wait...didn't you just post about being fired?!?

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Specializes in Public Health, TB.

First, you need to understand what cardiomyopathy is, so I suggest you brush up on the pathophys. Next, what is the cause, it is usually defined as ischemic or non-ischemic? Is there an infectious component, connective tissue disorder, injury from toxins or radiation?

These patients are usually dealing with some degree of heart failure, so cardiac output and oxygenation are huge, as well as fluid and electrolyte balance. Exercise tolerance is usually affected. Do they have an implanted device or need one? Dysrrhythmias? They will likely be on multiple meds so they might have a knowledge deficit.

Good Luck!

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

Are you a student, pinkpop? You can get direction and assistance with care planning in the "Students" section of this website.

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At the top of my head: monitor vital signs (HR, BP, RR, 02), monitor for dysrhythmias, head to toe assessment to monitor for adequate perfusion and/or congestion (JVP, lung fields, heart sounds), fluid & electrolyte balance (ABGs) ...

It depends on what type of cardiomyopathy as well. I've only had experience w/ CHF. I liked this link: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4468

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Nobody here can replace what you will gain if you should attempt to research the topic yourself OP. After all Cardiomyopathy is not some rare pathophys. I would highly advise going online and looking into purchasing a pathophys book, and starting to make some of your own connections.

Good one...

Professional Guide to Pathophysiology (Professional Guide Series) (Hardcover)

~ Springhouse (Editor)

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