Cardiomyopathy is the diseases of the heart muscle (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2016). When a patient is diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, their cardiovascular muscles grow large, dense and firm. Cardiomyopathy causes the heart to become weak due to the growth, which also makes it harder for the organ to pump blood throughout the body and preserve a regular rhythm. These conditions would lead to irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias, and if not treated, will eventually result in complete heart failure. (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2016).
Approach to Care for Cardiomyopathy
Mr. P's care approach will depend on the extent of danger to the heart muscle, dependent edema, and physical activities. At 76 …show more content…
P’s treatment plans include minimizing polypharmacy and drug interactions due to his age. Fluid retention and edema should be treated with diuretic therapy such as Lasix intravenously, intramuscularly or orally depending on the extent of the dependence and pulmonary edema (Cleland et al., 2012). These procedures should be titrated according to Mr. P’s weight. Therefore, Mr. P should be weighed daily, mostly in the morning before breakfast. ACE inhibitors such as Enalapril should be used to prevent heart failure, paying close attention to the dosage given. B-blockage such as spironolactone and digoxin should also be provided to help deal with the potential of heart failure. These medications should be titrated depending on patient’s weight, blood pressure, and electrolyte values. Oxygen administration is necessary to reduce shortness of breath and increase oxygen supply to the tissues (Cleland et al., …show more content…
P was taking, medication reconciliation should be done, and Mr. P and his family should be notified which drugs he was taking previously before being admitted to the hospital. The dietician’s job should be to teach Mr. P and his family how to develop a cardiac diet to meet his nutritional needs, such as avoiding meals that contain high quantities of salt by using salt substitutes. On the other hand, the physical and occupational therapist provides different workouts that should be done at home. It is important for each exercise to not lead to exhaustion, but still, offer a pathway leading to proper fitness (Gillespie,