Learning Outcomes
By the end of this section, you should be able to:
- 11.3.1 Assess the client for readiness to learn.
- 11.3.2 Teach nutritional strategies to optimize cardiovascular wellness.
Holistic Nursing Assessment of the Client
An implementation strategy is necessary for success. To solidify plan compliance, the nurse should involve the client in the creation of the plan, ensure that the client has a clear comprehension of the plan, and evaluate the holistic needs of the client.
Maintaining cardiovascular health when no disease is present is also critical. A first step to maintenance is to review diet plans. The MyPlate, DASH, and Mediterranean diets are well known and can be utilized to maintain cardiovascular health. In addition, reducing alcohol consumption, caffeine intake, red meats, saturated and trans fats, processed food consumptions, refined carbohydrates, sugary foods and drinks, and sodium have all been shown to be protective for cardiovascular health (Harvard University, 2023; Morales-Brown, 2020). Likewise, increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, nuts, and poultry and using monounsaturated or polyunsaturated oils in place of saturated oils will help prevent cardiovascular disease (Harvard University, 2023).
If the client wishes to prescribe to one of the recommended diets, the nurse should educate them on inclusions, exclusions, and reductions (Table 11.7).
| Diet Type | Inclusions or Increases | Exclusions or Reductions |
|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean |
|
|
| DASH |
|
|
| MyPlate |
|
|
Holistic care is critical to heart health and should include a review of other lifestyle habits that can contribute to cardiovascular disease. For example, smoking cessation is extremely important, as nicotine constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow while increasing blood pressure (Srakocic, 2023).
Physical activity is also paramount when reducing cardiovascular risks. Exercise helps with weight control, BMI, and waistline management, and reduces the risk for diabetes. Regular physical activity can also help manage stress and improve mood (Harvard University, 2023).
Lastly, sleep is a key consideration. Maintaining an adequate sleep schedule contributes to cardiovascular risk reduction. Sleep has been shown to have an impact on factors that relate to cardiovascular health, such as dietary intake, weight, exercise, inflammation, and blood pressure (Harvard University, 2023).
Client Teaching
Teaching a client with cardiovascular disease can be challenging. Symptoms like chronic fatigue, weakness, chest pain, and shortness of breath can make it difficult to motivate the client to learn. For these reasons, the nurse should include caretakers and family members whenever possible during education.
Teaching should include DASH, Mediterranean, and MyPlate diets. The nurse should help the client decide which would be most appropriate for their lifestyle. The nurse may need to adjust the diet to accommodate specific cultural and religious preferences and allergies, and to accommodate other comorbidities that require special dietary considerations.