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Evaluating the patient with coronary artery disease
The Nursing Clinics of North America
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD) requires a thorough patient evaluation, including pain assessment and lifestyle analysis. Nurses play a vital role in patient education and ongoing management of CAD.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Diagnostic Medicine
- Nursing Practice
Background:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosis necessitates a comprehensive approach.
- Patient-reported symptoms, particularly pain characteristics, are crucial for differential diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the diagnostic workup for suspected or known CAD.
- To emphasize the role of pain assessment and lifestyle evaluation in CAD diagnosis.
- To highlight the nurse's contribution to patient evaluation and education in CAD management.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of diagnostic strategies for CAD.
- Analysis of pain assessment as a diagnostic tool.
- Integration of lifestyle pattern evaluation and Functional Health Patterns (FHP) categorization.
- Review of common diagnostic tests including ECG and cardiac catheterization.
Main Results:
- Pain assessment is key to differentiating CAD from other conditions and guides test selection.
- Lifestyle evaluations identify high-risk behaviors for CAD.
- ECG is a common initial test, while cardiac catheterization is definitive for CAD diagnosis.
- Diagnostic test sequencing depends on patient stability, risks, and benefits.
Conclusions:
- A structured evaluation, incorporating pain, lifestyle, and FHP, aids CAD diagnosis.
- Nurses are integral to the CAD evaluation process, promoting patient participation and understanding.
- Effective patient education is essential for managing CAD and improving daily living.