Answer 3 for NRS 455 Identify a cardiac or respiratory dysfunction and its cause
One common cardiac dysfunction is coronary artery disease (CAD), which occurs due to the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle. The primary cause of CAD is plaque (atherosclerosis) buildup within the arteries, which reduces blood flow to the heart (Johnson, 2022).
To prevent CAD and improve health status, the following key steps are necessary:
- Healthy Lifestyle Modifications: Encourage a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium. Promote regular physical activity, such as aerobic exercise, to maintain a healthy weight and improve cardiovascular fitness(Rppe, 2018).
- Smoking Cessation: Support smoking cessation efforts, as smoking is a significant risk factor for CAD. Offer counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, or pharmacotherapy to help individuals quit smoking(Rippe, 2018).
- Blood Pressure Management: Monitor blood pressure regularly and provide education on the importance of controlling hypertension. Lifestyle modifications are recommended, such as reducing salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and adhering to prescribed medications if necessary(Rippe, 2018).
- Cholesterol Control: Monitor lipid levels and provide guidance on managing cholesterol levels through dietary changes, exercise, and medication if needed. Encourage the consumption of heart-healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, and the avoidance of trans fats(Rippe, 2018).
- Diabetes Management: For individuals with diabetes, emphasize the importance of glycemic control through diet, exercise, medication adherence, and regular monitoring of blood glucose levels. Diabetes management is crucial in reducing the risk of CAD complications(Rippe, 2018).
- Stress Reduction: Encourage stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques, to help reduce psychological stress, which can contribute to CAD risk (Chen et al., 2022).
- Medication Adherence: Ensure compliance with prescribed medications, such as antiplatelet agents, statins, beta-blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, to manage CAD risk factors and prevent disease progression (Chen et al., 2022).
- Regular Health Screenings: Advocate for routine health screenings to assess cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood glucose, and body mass index (BMI). Early detection and intervention are essential for preventing CAD complications (Chen et al., 2022).
By implementing these preventive measures, individuals can reduce their risk of developing CAD, improve overall cardiovascular health, and enhance their quality of life. Additionally, healthcare providers are crucial in educating patients about these strategies and providing ongoing support to promote adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors.
References
Chen, C., Li, X., Su, Y., You, Z., Wan, R., & Hong, K. (2022). Adherence with cardiovascular medications and the outcomes in patients with coronary arterial disease: “Real‐world” evidence. Clinical Cardiology, 45(12), 1220–1228. https://doi.org/10.1002/clc.23898