Initial evaluation to confirm the diagnosis of congestive heart failure

According to Mr. P’s description of his symptoms, a first evaluation is required to confirm the diagnosis of congestive heart failure.

The first step would be to evaluate the severity of the disease through a history of congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, whether the patient has a history of a chest injury, and whether the patient has ever been checked for depression. A family history screening would reveal lineage evidence of ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and even risk factors that could expose the patient to the ailment (NGC, 2013). The physical examination would also include skin color, as well as weight loss. Additionally, the patient needs to undergo laboratory test, and in this case, he would be tested for the blood count, renal function, urinalysis, and myocardial injury. Other laboratory tests would include the chest radiograph, electrocardiogram, and ischemia evaluation.

Recommend a treatment plan.

According to NGC, (2013), a patient suffering from congestive heart failure should be hospitalized if the patient presents a number of symptoms. Laboratory findings that indicate evidence of myocardial ischemia, signs of severe heart failure refractory, pulmonary edema and respiratory distress, complications of thromboembolic complications that call for interventions, indications of pneumonia, and renal failure, hemodynamic effects, symptomatic hypotension as well as hyperkalemia and shortness of breath. According to the tests conducted, the patient presented an evidence of acute myocardial ischemia, pulmonary edema and severe distress of respiratory system. Mr. P also has labored breathing as well as inadequate social support from her wife who argued that the management of his husband’s condition forced her to stay indoors due to declining health status of Mr. P. The findings thus warrants Mr. P admission to the intensive care unit.

Describe a method for providing both the patient and family with education and explain your rationale.

According to Inamdar and Inamdar, (2016), various healthcare options can reduce the exacerbation and readmission rates among patients with congestive heart failure. This can be done through providing patient and family education concerning the management of this disease. The patient should be advised on the dietary consciousness. He should take sodium 2-3mg as well as fluid restrictions especially when their fluid retention persists. Mr, P should also be educated on healthy lifestyles as he is required to take diets with high fiber and vegetables. The patient should also adhere to regular exercise which assists in the improvement of skeletal muscles. Mr. P needs to ensure that he engages in medical regimens interventions through the use of phone calls which is essential in helping patients to adhere to their prescriptions. Additionally, the caregivers are trained on the how to help patients have a safe transition through communication, patient-centered care as well as follows up visits.

Based on Mr. P’s condition, Method Teaching Plan is the most suitable patient-family education approach.

M stands for medication where the patient is reminded to take their medicines as provided. The patient is also advised to consult the physician whenever they are prescribed a drug by a new physician. E stands for an environment where the family members are encouraged to ensure that the home environment is conducive to the patient upon discharge. T represents treatments where the patient needs to adhere to the medication given to them and stick to the prescriptions as well as taking a healthy diet and reporting to any changes in the symptoms. H represents health knowledge of disease where the patient is enlightened on their conditions and the common complications as well as side effects he is likely to experience. O is out/inpatient referrals where the patient will be assigned various physicians who will be responsible for his treatments. Lastly, D is the diet, and in this case, Mr. P will be guided on the type of food he will be taking as well as those that he should avoid.

References

Inamdar, A. A., & Inamdar, A.C. (2016). Heart failure: Diagnosis, management, and utilization. Journal of Clinical Medication, 5(7), 62. Doi: org/10.3390/jcm5070062

NGC. (2013). Heart failure in adults. Retrieved from https://www.guideline.gov/summaries/summary/47030/heart-failure-in-adults?q=CHF