Pathophysiology: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD); Damaged lining of coronary arteries leading to bu...

1. Assessment: Often have HTN, Elevated Lipids/cholesterol, may have elevated glucose. May have S/S of TIAs associated with stress/exertion, arterial bruits

2. Medications: Atovstatin calcium (Lipitor) "statins"

3. Nursing Interventions: Monitor VS and labs; Assess for S/S of complications; Administer medications; Referrals; Patient Teaching

4. Patient Teaching: Disease process; Diet - reduced fat & cholesterol; exercise - regular; medications; Smoking cessation; Control HTN & diabetes

5. Labs: HTN > 140/90; LDL > 160; HDL < 40; total cholesterol > 240; triglycerides > 200; glucose > 200

6. Action of meds: Slows production of cholesterol in the liver; Side Effects of medication: increased cataract risk, HA, abdominal pain, diarrhea, SEVERE: rhabdomyolysis & liver failure

7. Collaborative Care: Dietician; Diabetic Educator if indicated

8. Discharge Planning: F/U with PCP; Cardiology referral; Smoking cessation support if needed; Other Support groups; Assess $$$ to afford meds

9. Potential Complications: Unstable angina/MI; Stroke or TIA

10. Priorities of Care: Monitor for complications; stabilize and reduce plaques; Reduce risk factors - educate on diet, meds, & exercise; Address HTN and/or diabetes if present

11. Diagnostic Procedures: Coronary artery calcium scoring; possible angiography to look for blockage if symptomatic

12. What to look for: Unstable angina - chest pain at rest; MI: angina, diaphoresis, SOB, neck, jaw, or back pain, etc.; Stroke or TIA: neurological changes - dizziness, weakness or numbness on one side of body, dysphasia, drooping on one side of face

13. Important Points: Contraindicated w/liver disease, monitor liver enzymes, no grapefruit products

14. Risk factors: Atheroscelrosis, HTN, Smoking, Obesity/sedentary, Hyperlipidemia, Diabetes, Family Hx, Post-menopausal