Question

What should the nurse do in terms of assessing a patient who has been diagnosed with Atherosclerosis?

Answer 1

Atherosclerosis is the problem associated with the deposition of fats or associated materials in the walls arteries, altering the normal blood flow & in severe condition may lead to the myocardial infarction or heart attack. These deposited fats form the plaques, which causes the narrowing of the arteries and may develop the chest discomfort.

This condition is commonly seen in patients with high BP, diabetes, and obesity, along with the smoking habits

Once it is diagnosed the case of atherosclerosis the nursing interventions should be started to manage it by considering the heart-healthy dietary changes, use of proper exercise plans, use of proper medications and if required, surgery.

Further in this case the nursing staff may suggest the patient to lower their cholesterol levels and take the proper diet to cut LDL and VLDL (bad cholesterols).

At the same time the patient should use the diet rich with HDL i.e. good cholesterol.

The patient should use the proper diet plan and exercise plan as per the nursing care.

It is advised to take more fruits & vegetables. Quitting the smoking should be motivated.

Then it is required to maintain the weight and gain the remarkable BMI level.

Further the stress level should be also reduced in this case, by conducting the stress management programmes as well as the relaxation exercises by the nursing staff.

Thus by utilizing such nursing interventions we can effectively manage the cases of the atherosclerosis.