![]() Once stable, slowly increasing activity level will help to strengthen muscles including cardiac muscles. Initially, bedrest is warranted until patient is able to reach a stable cardiac and respiratory state. Patients with decreased cardiac output can become deconditioned quickly. As patient’s status improves slowly begin activity to increase tolerance and stamina. Initially allow for bedrest during acute phase. A fluid and/or sodium restriction may be necessary to minimize fluid retention.ĥ. Patients with low cardiac output are more prone to retaining additional fluids and can be very sensitive to sodium. Maintain fluid restriction and/or sodium restriction. These will help to improve heart function and decrease patient’s symptoms and cardiac workload.Įlevating the head of the bed will allow the patient better positioning for breathing and be able to maintain an appropriate oxygenation level.Ĥ. Various medications may be ordered for patients with decreased cardiac output (i.e. Administer prescribed medications as ordered. Appropriate oxygenation is necessary to improve overall condition and bodily functions.Ģ. Patient’s oxygen saturation may be low and may require supplemental oxygen in order to maintain appropriate levels. Administer supplemental oxygen as needed. Nursing Interventions for Decreased Cardiac Outputġ. Patients may become fatigued more quickly when cardiac output is low. This will allow the nurse to maintain appropriate fluid balance. These can help to indicate potential causes or underlying conditions that may be contributing to the low cardiac output.ĭecreased cardiac output could result in retention of fluid which can worsen the symptoms the patient is experiencing. Assess lab values and results of any imaging studies. In addition, heart sounds S3 and/or S4 may become audible which are signs of heart failure.ĭecreased cardiac output can result in poor tissue prefusion and decreased or diminished pulses peripherally.Īs the patient’s cardiac output decreases, tissue perfusion can worsen and patient’s skin may become cool, clammy, and pale due to decreased oxygen saturation in the body.ĭue to decreased oxygen saturation, patients may have altered mental status and become confused.Ĩ. These may be diminished with poor heart function. A common cardiac arrhythmia seen in these patients is atrial fibrillation. Adventitious breath sounds are also common such as crackles.ĭecreased cardiac output can result in cardiac arrhythmias. Assessing oxygen saturation will allow for objective data regarding patient’s breathing status. Patient may experience an increase in shortness of breath as cardiac output decreases. Monitor breath sounds, respiratory rate and pattern, and oxygen saturation. Later on, blood pressures may drop and patient can become hypotensive.Ģ. This is done to compensate for the low cardiac output and can result in increased heart rates and initially an increased blood pressure. Low cardiac output can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. Nursing Assessment for Decreased Cardiac Outputġ.
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