๐ซ Case Study on Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA with Stenting)
Medical-Surgical Nursing | NANDA Nursing Care Plan Format
Cardiology Nursing | Practical File Ready
๐ Student Information
| Student Name | [Your Name] |
| Course | BSc Nursing / GNM / ANM |
| Subject | Medical-Surgical Nursing / Cardiology Nursing |
| Case Study Topic | Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA with Drug-Eluting Stent) |
| Format | NANDA-I Nursing Care Plan Format |
| Date of Submission | [Enter Date] |
| Clinical Instructor | [Instructor Name] |
๐ Page 1 โ Patient Identification Data
| Name | Mr. Rajendra Prasad Sharma |
| Age | 58 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Address | Vaishali Nagar, Jaipur |
| Occupation | Bank Manager (Sedentary Job) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Religion/Category | Hindu |
| Annual Income | โน8,00,000/- |
| Diagnosis | Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) โ Single Vessel Disease |
| Type of Family | Nuclear |
| Family Size | 4 Members |
| Ward/Bed No. | Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) / Bed 8 |
| Doctor Incharge | Dr. S. K. Sharma (Interventional Cardiologist) |
| Date of Admission | 10/05/2026 |
| Hospital Name | SMS Medical College & Hospital, Jaipur |
๐ Page 2 โ Chief Complaints & Clinical History
CHIEF COMPLAINT
The patient was brought to the hospital with the complaints of:
- Chest pain (Angina) โ retrosternal, heaviness type, radiating to left arm
- Shortness of breath on exertion (NYHA Class II)
- Palpitations โ occasional, associated with chest discomfort
- Excessive sweating (diaphoresis) during pain episodes
- Fatigue and weakness โ generalized, affecting work performance
- Exercise tolerance decreased โ dyspnea after walking 200 meters
HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS
The patient, Mr. Rajendra Prasad Sharma, a 58-year-old male bank manager with a sedentary lifestyle, presented with a 2-week history of progressive exertional chest pain. He describes the pain as retrosternal heaviness radiating to the left arm, occurring during walking, climbing stairs, and during stressful work situations. Each episode lasts 5-10 minutes and is relieved by rest and sublingual nitrates (Sorbitrate 5mg).
An ECG done at a local clinic showed ST-segment depression in anterior leads (V2-V6) suggestive of myocardial ischemia. He was referred to the cardiology department. A 2D Echocardiogram revealed mildly reduced LVEF (52%) with anterior wall hypokinesia. Coronary Angiography performed via right radial approach revealed 90% tubular, eccentric stenosis in the proximal LAD artery. PTCA with Drug-Eluting Stent (DES โ Sirolimus-eluting, 3.0 ร 23 mm) deployment was successfully performed. The patient is currently in CCU for post-procedural monitoring and care.
PAST MEDICAL HISTORY
- Hypertension โ 10 years; on Telmisartan 40mg OD
- Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2) โ 5 years; on Metformin 500mg BD; HbA1c 7.8%
- Dyslipidemia โ on Atorvastatin 20mg OD
- No history of thyroid disorder
- No history of tuberculosis
- No previous cardiac events โ first episode of angina
PAST SURGICAL HISTORY
- No history of any major surgery prior to PTCA
- No history of blood transfusion
- Local anesthesia (Lignocaine 2%) at radial access site โ uneventful
- No prior angiography or intervention โ first catheterization
๐ Page 3 โ Family History & Composition
FAMILY HISTORY
- The patient belongs to a nuclear family.
- There are 4 members in the family.
- Strong family history of premature CAD.
- Father โ Myocardial infarction at age 52; expired at 65.
- Brother โ CAD diagnosed at 50; underwent CABG at 52.
- Sister โ Healthy; age 54.
- Mother โ Hypertension; alive at 80.
FAMILY COMPOSITION
| Name | Age/Sex | Education | Occupation | Marital Status | Relationship | Health Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Rajendra Sharma | 58/M | Graduate | Bank Manager | Married | Self (Patient) | CAD โ Post PTCA |
| Mrs. Sunita Sharma | 52/F | Graduate | Housewife | Married | Wife | Healthy |
| Mr. Amit Sharma | 28/M | MBA | Software Engineer | Unmarried | Son | Healthy |
| Ms. Priya Sharma | 24/F | MBBS Student | - | Unmarried | Daughter | Healthy |
FAMILY TREE
โก = Male | โ = Female | โ = Patient
โกโ Mr. Rajendra Sharma (Patient โ CAD, Post PTCA) โ โโโ โก Mr. Amit Sharma (Son โ Healthy) โโโ โ Ms. Priya Sharma (Daughter โ Healthy)
๐ Page 4 โ Dietary, Personal, Socio-Economic & Environmental History
DIETARY HISTORY
- The patient takes a mixed diet.
- Diet is high in saturated fats, fried foods, and salt.
- Low fiber intake with irregular meal timings due to work.
- High caffeine intake โ 4-5 cups tea/coffee daily.
- Adequate intake of fluids.
- No history of food allergy reported.
PERSONAL HISTORY
- Sleep: 6 hours; disturbed sleep due to work stress; occasional insomnia
- Appetite: Normal; slightly reduced since admission
- Bowel: Regular; once daily โ normal consistency
- Bladder: Normal; post-procedure frequent urination due to IV fluids
- Habits: Ex-smoker (quit 2 years ago โ 20 pack-years); occasional alcohol
- Activity level: Sedentary; no regular exercise; desk job 8-10 hours/day
- Allergy: No known drug or food allergies; contrast dye tolerated without reaction
- BMI: 29.2 kg/mยฒ (Overweight); abdominal obesity (waist circumference 104 cm)
SOCIO-ECONOMIC HISTORY
- The patient belongs to a middle-class family.
- Total annual family income is approximately โน8,00,000 per year.
- The family lives in a nuclear family setup.
- Patient has access to medical facilities and health insurance.
- Worried about financial implications and prolonged leave from work.
ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY
- The family lives in their own house with adequate ventilation.
- No exposure to industrial pollutants.
- Uses LPG for cooking.
- Safe drinking water supply available.
- Living environment is clean and hygienic.
๐ Page 5 & 6 โ Physical Examination
GENERAL CONDITION
Patient is conscious, oriented and cooperative. Patient appears anxious about heart condition and procedure outcome. Resting comfortably in bed with right wrist immobilized.
VITAL SIGNS (Post-Procedure Day 1)
- Temperature: 98.6ยฐF (Normal)
- Pulse: 74/min (Controlled โ on Metoprolol)
- Respiration: 16/min (Normal)
- Blood Pressure: 130/82 mmHg (Improved from pre-procedure 148/92)
- SpOโ: 98% on room air
- Pain Score: 0/10 (No chest pain; access site minimal tenderness)
GENERAL APPEARANCE
- Built: Endomorphic; overweight with central obesity
- Posture: Comfortable; right wrist immobilized
- Activity: On bed rest per post-PCI protocol
- Speech: Clear and coherent
- Signs of distress: Mild anxiety present; no acute distress
SYSTEMIC EXAMINATION
| Cardiovascular | S1, S2 normal; no murmurs, gallops, or rubs; peripheral pulses palpable and equal; right radial pulse strong; CRT <3 sec; no JVD |
| Respiratory | Bilateral air entry equal; clear lung fields; no crackles, wheezes; RR 16/min; SpOโ 98% |
| CNS | Conscious; oriented to time, place, person; GCS 15/15; no focal neurological deficit; anxiety present |
| Gastrointestinal | Abdomen soft, non-tender; bowel sounds present and normal; mild nausea reported |
| Renal | Voiding adequately; urine output >50 mL/hr; monitoring for contrast-induced nephropathy |
| Access Site (Right Radial) | TR Band removed; site clean, dry; no hematoma, bleeding, or oozing; right hand warm, pink, CRT <3 sec |
| Integumentary | No pallor, cyanosis, icterus, clubbing; xanthelasma present on upper eyelids |
| Psychological | Anxious about stent, need for lifelong medications, fear of re-blockage |
๐ Page 7 โ Vital Signs Monitoring Record
| DATE/TIME | TEMP (ยฐF) | PULSE (/min) | RESP (/min) | BP (mmHg) | SpOโ (%) | PAIN (0-10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/05/2026 (Pre-procedure) | 98.4ยฐF | 78/min | 18/min | 148/92 | 97% | 2/10 |
| 11/05/2026 (Post-procedure) | 98.8ยฐF | 72/min | 16/min | 126/78 | 98% | 1/10 |
| 12/05/2026 (POD 1) | 98.6ยฐF | 74/min | 16/min | 130/82 | 98% | 0/10 |
| 13/05/2026 (POD 2) | 98.6ยฐF | 72/min | 16/min | 128/80 | 99% | 0/10 |
| 14/05/2026 (POD 3) | 98.4ยฐF | 70/min | 15/min | 124/76 | 99% | 0/10 |
๐ Page 8 โ Diagnostic Investigations
| SR. NO. | INVESTIGATION | NORMAL VALUE | PATIENT'S VALUE | REFERENCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hemoglobin | 13โ17 g/dL | 13.8 g/dL | Normal |
| 2 | Total WBC Count | 4,000โ11,000/mmยณ | 7,200/mmยณ | Normal |
| 3 | Platelet Count | 1.5โ4 lakh/mmยณ | 1,98,000/mmยณ | Normal (on DAPT) |
| 4 | Fasting Blood Sugar | 70โ110 mg/dL | 142 mg/dL | Elevated |
| 5 | HbA1c | <6.5% | 7.8% | Elevated |
| 6 | Serum Creatinine (Pre) | 0.7โ1.3 mg/dL | 1.1 mg/dL | Normal |
| 7 | Serum Creatinine (24hr Post) | 0.7โ1.3 mg/dL | 1.2 mg/dL | Normal; no CIN |
| 8 | Blood Urea | 15โ40 mg/dL | 32 mg/dL | Normal |
| 9 | Total Cholesterol | <200 mg/dL | 228 mg/dL | Elevated |
| 10 | LDL Cholesterol | <100 (<70 for CAD) | 142 mg/dL | Critically Elevated |
| 11 | HDL Cholesterol | >40 mg/dL | 34 mg/dL | Low |
| 12 | Triglycerides | <150 mg/dL | 210 mg/dL | Elevated |
| 13 | Cardiac Troponin I (HS) | <34 ng/L | 18 ng/L | Normal |
| 14 | ECG (Pre-procedure) | ST depression V2-V6; T wave inversion | Anterior wall ischemia | |
| 15 | ECG (Post-procedure) | ST segments normalized; no new Q waves | Successful revascularization | |
| 16 | 2D Echocardiogram | LVEF 52%; mild anterior wall hypokinesia | Mild LV dysfunction | |
| 17 | Coronary Angiography | 90% stenosis proximal LAD; TIMI 3 flow post-stenting | Single vessel disease โ treated | |
| 18 | Chest X-Ray | Normal cardiac size; clear lung fields | Normal | |
๐ Page 9 โ Medical Management (Drug Chart)
| SR. NO. | MEDICATION | DOSE | FREQUENCY | ROUTE | ACTION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tab. Aspirin | 150 mg | OD (lifelong) | Oral | Antiplatelet โ prevents stent thrombosis |
| 2 | Tab. Clopidogrel | 75 mg | OD (min 12 months) | Oral | DAPT โ P2Y12 inhibitor; prevents stent thrombosis |
| 3 | Tab. Atorvastatin | 40 mg | OD (HS) | Oral | High-intensity statin โ LDL lowering; plaque stabilization |
| 4 | Tab. Telmisartan | 40 mg | OD | Oral | ARB โ blood pressure control; target <130/80 |
| 5 | Tab. Metoprolol | 25 mg | BD | Oral | Beta blocker โ reduces myocardial Oโ demand |
| 6 | Tab. Metformin | 500 mg | BD | Oral | Glycemic control; target HbA1c <7% |
| 7 | Inj. Heparin (Peri-procedural) | 5,000 units | Stat | IV | Anticoagulation during PCI |
| 8 | IV Normal Saline | 1 mL/kg/hr | 12 hrs pre & post | IV | Prevents contrast-induced nephropathy |
๐ Page 10 โ Disease Introduction, Etiology & Pathophysiology
INTRODUCTION
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It commonly presents with symptoms such as chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and fatigue. Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) with stenting is a minimally invasive procedure used to open blocked coronary arteries and restore blood flow to the heart muscle.
ETIOLOGY
The primary cause of CAD is atherosclerosis โ the buildup of plaque (cholesterol, fat, calcium) in the coronary arteries. Common causes and risk factors include:
- Atherosclerosis (most common)
- Hypertension
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Dyslipidemia (high LDL, low HDL)
- Smoking
- Obesity and physical inactivity
- Family history of premature CAD
Predisposing factors include:
- Age (>45 years for males)
- Male gender
- Genetic predisposition
- High-stress occupation
- Unhealthy diet (high saturated fats, salt)
- Alcohol consumption
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
CAD begins with endothelial injury to the coronary artery wall caused by risk factors like hypertension, smoking, and hyperlipidemia. This injury allows LDL cholesterol to infiltrate the arterial wall, triggering an inflammatory response. Macrophages engulf oxidized LDL, forming foam cells and fatty streaks โ the earliest stage of atherosclerosis.
Over time, smooth muscle proliferation, collagen deposition, and calcium accumulation form a fibrous cap over the lipid core, creating a mature atherosclerotic plaque. This plaque narrows the vessel lumen (stenosis), reducing blood flow. When the plaque ruptures, it exposes thrombogenic material to the bloodstream, causing platelet aggregation and thrombus formation โ leading to partial or complete vessel occlusion, resulting in myocardial ischemia or infarction.
PTCA with stenting mechanically opens the narrowed artery by inflating a balloon at the stenosis site, compressing the plaque against the vessel wall. A drug-eluting stent (DES) is deployed to maintain vessel patency and slowly release medication to prevent restenosis.
๐ Page 11 โ Clinical Manifestations, Diagnostic & Medical Management
CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS
The patient in this case presented with the following features:
- Chest pain (Angina) โ retrosternal heaviness radiating to left arm
- Shortness of breath on exertion (NYHA Class II)
- Palpitations
- Excessive sweating (diaphoresis) during pain episodes
- Fatigue and weakness
- Decreased exercise tolerance
- ST-segment depression on ECG (anterior leads)
DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION
CAD is diagnosed based on clinical features, ECG, cardiac biomarkers, echocardiography, and coronary angiography. Findings in this patient included:
- ECG: ST depression in V2-V6 โ anterior wall ischemia
- 2D Echo: LVEF 52%; anterior wall hypokinesia
- Coronary Angiography: 90% stenosis in proximal LAD
- Troponin I: 18 ng/L (normal โ no acute MI)
- Lipid Profile: LDL 142 mg/dL (elevated), HDL 34 mg/dL (low)
- HbA1c: 7.8% (uncontrolled diabetes)
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
- Dual Antiplatelet Therapy (DAPT) โ Aspirin + Clopidogrel
- High-intensity statin (Atorvastatin 40mg)
- Beta-blocker (Metoprolol) โ reduces myocardial oxygen demand
- ARB (Telmisartan) โ blood pressure control
- Metformin โ glycemic control
- IV Normal Saline โ prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy
- PTCA with DES deployment โ mechanical revascularization
- Cardiac rehabilitation program โ Phase I to Phase III
๐ Page 12 โ Nursing Management, Health Education, Prognosis & Conclusion
NURSING MANAGEMENT
- Continuous cardiac monitoring โ observe HR, rhythm, ST segment changes
- Assess for chest pain โ location, severity (0-10 scale), associated symptoms
- Monitor vital signs per post-PCI protocol
- Administer DAPT strictly on time โ Aspirin + Clopidogrel
- Assess radial access site โ bleeding, hematoma, neurovascular status
- Maintain patent hemostasis with TR Band protocol
- Monitor urine output โ prevent contrast-induced nephropathy
- Provide calm environment to reduce anxiety
- Educate patient about DAPT compliance, diet, activity, follow-up
- Monitor cardiac biomarkers โ Troponin I at 6 and 12 hours post-procedure
HEALTH EDUCATION
- NEVER STOP Aspirin or Clopidogrel without cardiologist consultation
- Take all medications exactly as prescribed at the same time daily
- Follow cardiac diet โ low saturated fat, low salt (<2g/day), high fiber
- Complete smoking cessation โ ZERO tobacco
- Regular physical activity โ start with short walks, gradually increase
- Attend cardiac rehabilitation program
- Keep follow-up appointments โ cardiologist at 2 weeks, 6 months, annually
- Report warning signs immediately โ chest pain at rest, black/tarry stools, sudden severe headache
- Stress management โ yoga, meditation, deep breathing
- No heavy lifting (>5 kg) with right arm for 1 week
PROGNOSIS
With successful PTCA and DES deployment, appropriate medication compliance, and comprehensive lifestyle modification, the prognosis of single vessel CAD is generally excellent. DES patency rates exceed 90% at 1 year. Long-term outcomes depend on DAPT adherence, risk factor control, and regular cardiac follow-up.
CONCLUSION
This case highlights CAD as a manageable cardiovascular condition when treated with timely revascularization and comprehensive secondary prevention. Effective nursing care โ from vigilant post-procedural monitoring to thorough patient education โ plays a critical role in preventing stent thrombosis, promoting recovery, and ensuring long-term quality of life.
๐ Page 13 โ NANDA Nursing Diagnoses
- Risk for decreased cardiac tissue perfusion related to coronary artery disease, possible thrombus formation, coronary artery spasm, and stent thrombosis as evidenced by history of critical LAD stenosis and recent PTCA with stenting.
- Risk for bleeding related to arterial access site (right radial artery), use of dual antiplatelet therapy (Aspirin + Clopidogrel), and peri-procedural anticoagulation (Heparin).
- Acute pain related to arterial access site trauma, sheath insertion, and compression device (TR Band) as evidenced by patient reporting tenderness at right wrist and pain score 1-2/10.
- Risk for impaired renal function (Contrast-Induced Nephropathy) related to administration of iodinated contrast media during coronary angiography and PTCA, pre-existing diabetes, and hypertension.
- Anxiety related to diagnosis of coronary artery disease, invasive cardiac procedure, fear of re-stenosis, and uncertainty about future health as evidenced by patient's repeated questioning, restlessness, and expressed worry.
- Deficient knowledge regarding post-PTCA care, DAPT medications, risk factor modification, and recognition of warning signs of stent thrombosis/MI.
- Activity intolerance related to imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand secondary to CAD and bed rest post-procedure as evidenced by NYHA Class II symptoms and sedentary lifestyle.
- Ineffective health maintenance related to inadequate management of modifiable risk factors (uncontrolled diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, sedentary lifestyle) as evidenced by HbA1c 7.8%, LDL 142 mg/dL, BMI 29.2.
๐ Page 14-16 โ Nursing Care Plans (NANDA Format)
Nursing Care Plan โ 1: Risk for Decreased Cardiac Tissue Perfusion
| ASSESSMENT | NURSING DIAGNOSIS | GOAL/EXPECTED OUTCOME | PLANNING | IMPLEMENTATION | EVALUATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subjective: Patient asks "Can the stent get blocked again?" Reports chest pain history. Objective: 90% LAD stenosis โ stented; on DAPT; ECG โ ST normalized post-PCI; Troponin I โ 18 ng/L |
Risk for decreased cardiac tissue perfusion related to CAD, thrombus formation, and stent thrombosis | Short term: Patient will remain free from chest pain, ECG changes, and arrhythmias during hospital stay. Long term: Patient will demonstrate adequate cardiac perfusion as evidenced by no angina, normal ECG, and improved exercise tolerance; will verbalize DAPT compliance. |
โข Continuous cardiac monitoring โข Assess for chest pain every 2 hours & PRN โข Monitor vital signs per PCI protocol โข Record 12-lead ECG if chest pain occurs |
โข Administer DAPT strictly on time โข Educate on DAPT โ never stop without cardiologist approval โข Monitor cardiac biomarkers โข Report any ST changes immediately |
โข No chest pain reported post-procedure โข ECG โ NSR; no ST changes โข Troponin I โ 18 ng/L (normal) โข Patient verbalized DAPT understanding |
Nursing Care Plan โ 2: Risk for Bleeding
| ASSESSMENT | NURSING DIAGNOSIS | GOAL/EXPECTED OUTCOME | PLANNING | IMPLEMENTATION | EVALUATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subjective: Patient reports mild tenderness at right wrist. Objective: Right radial access site โ TR Band in situ; on Aspirin + Clopidogrel + Heparin; Platelet count โ 1,98,000 |
Risk for bleeding related to arterial access site, dual antiplatelet therapy, and peri-procedural anticoagulation | Short term: Access site will remain free from bleeding/hematoma during hospital stay. Long term: Right radial artery will remain patent; patient will demonstrate bleeding precaution knowledge. |
โข Assess access site per protocol โข Mark hematoma borders if bleeding noted โข Assess right hand neurovascular status with each check |
โข Maintain patent hemostasis with TR Band โข Keep right wrist straight and immobilized for 6 hours โข Educate โ avoid lifting >5 kg with right arm for 1 week |
โข TR Band removed at 6 hours โ patent hemostasis achieved โข No bleeding, hematoma, or oozing โข Radial pulse strong โข Patient demonstrated bleeding precautions |
Nursing Care Plan โ 3: Deficient Knowledge
| ASSESSMENT | NURSING DIAGNOSIS | GOAL/EXPECTED OUTCOME | PLANNING | IMPLEMENTATION | EVALUATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subjective: Patient asks "How long do I need these blood thinners?"; "Can I eat normal food now?"; "When can I return to work?" Objective: Unable to list medications correctly; unaware of dietary restrictions; uncertain about follow-up schedule |
Deficient knowledge regarding post-PTCA care, DAPT medications, risk factor modification, and recognition of warning signs | Short term: Patient will verbalize medication regimen, dietary guidelines, and activity restrictions within 3 teaching sessions. Long term: Patient will demonstrate correct medication administration; will adopt heart-healthy lifestyle; will attend cardiac rehabilitation. |
โข Assess readiness to learn โข Prepare written medication schedule (Hindi/English) โข Plan 3 structured teaching sessions |
โข Teach medication regimen with written schedule โข Explain DAPT โ Aspirin lifelong, Clopidogrel min 12 months โข Provide dietary education โ low fat, low salt โข Teach warning signs requiring immediate ER visit |
โข Patient named all 8 medications by discharge โข Demonstrated DAPT understanding โข Listed 5 dietary modifications โข Verbalized warning signs โข Confirmed follow-up dates |
๐ Page 17 โ Discharge Summary
Mr. Rajendra Prasad Sharma, 58 years old male, was admitted in SMS Medical College & Hospital, Jaipur with complaints of chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, palpitations, and fatigue. The patient had a history of hypertension (10 years), type 2 diabetes mellitus (5 years), and dyslipidemia with a strong family history of premature CAD.
On evaluation, ECG showed ST-segment depression in anterior leads. 2D Echocardiogram revealed LVEF 52% with anterior wall hypokinesia. Coronary angiography via right radial approach revealed 90% stenosis in proximal LAD artery. Same-sitting PTCA with Drug-Eluting Stent (DES โ Sirolimus-eluting, 3.0 ร 23 mm) deployment was successfully performed with TIMI 3 flow achieved.
On examination, the patient was conscious, oriented and hemodynamically stable. No procedure-related complications were noted. The patient was managed with dual antiplatelet therapy (Aspirin + Clopidogrel), high-intensity statin, beta-blocker, ARB, Metformin, and IV fluids for CIN prophylaxis. TR Band was removed at 6 hours with patent hemostasis.
During the hospital stay, the patient showed excellent recovery. Chest pain resolved completely. ECG normalized. No bleeding or vascular complications. Renal function remained normal. The patient and wife demonstrated understanding of medication regimen, dietary modifications, and lifestyle changes.
At discharge, the patient is advised to:
- NEVER STOP Aspirin or Clopidogrel without consulting cardiologist
- Take all medications exactly as prescribed at the same time daily
- Use a pill box organizer and set phone alarms for medications
- Follow cardiac diet โ low saturated fat, low salt (<2g/day), high fiber, Mediterranean diet
- Complete smoking cessation โ ZERO tobacco
- Avoid alcohol or limit to occasional 1 drink
- Start with short walks (5-10 min, 2-3 times daily) โ gradually increase
- No heavy lifting (>5 kg) with right arm for 1 week
- No driving for 48 hours
- Attend cardiac rehabilitation Phase II program
- Keep follow-up appointments โ cardiologist at 2 weeks, lipid profile at 4-6 weeks
- Report IMMEDIATELY to ER if: chest pain at rest, black/tarry stools, sudden severe headache, rapidly expanding wrist swelling
๐ Page 18 โ Health Education
Medication Compliance (MOST CRITICAL) โ
Patient was emphatically advised to NEVER STOP Aspirin or Clopidogrel without cardiologist consultation. Stopping these medications can cause sudden stent thrombosis, which can be fatal. Use a pill box organizer. Set phone alarms. Keep a medication card in your wallet listing all drugs and dosages. Inform any doctor/dentist about the heart stent and blood thinners before any procedure.
Dietary Advice โ
Advised to follow Mediterranean diet โ low saturated fat, low salt (<2g/day), low sugar. DO's: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish (2-3 times/week), egg whites, nuts, olive/mustard oil. DON'Ts: Fried foods, butter/ghee, red meat, processed foods, bakery items, excess salt, sugary drinks. Remove salt shaker from table.
Lifestyle Modification โ
Complete smoking cessation โ ZERO tobacco. Alcohol โ maximum 1 drink occasionally. Maintain adequate rest and sleep. Practice stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing. Maintain a regular daily routine.
Exercise and Activity โ
Start with short walks โ 5-10 minutes, 2-3 times daily, gradually increasing. No heavy lifting (>5 kg) with right arm for 1 week. No strenuous exercise or vigorous sports for 1 week. Attend cardiac rehabilitation Phase II program โ supervised exercise, education, and counseling.
Disease Awareness โ
Explained about CAD and the importance of the stent. DES patency rates exceed 90% at 1 year with proper care. Educated about importance of DAPT compliance โ premature discontinuation is the #1 cause of stent thrombosis (20-40% mortality). Advised to recognize warning signs of stent thrombosis, bleeding, and stroke.
Follow-up Care โ
Advised to attend regular follow-up visits โ cardiologist at 2 weeks after discharge. Repeat lipid profile and HbA1c at 4-6 weeks. Stress test/ECHO as advised (usually 3-6 months). Dental check-up important. Annual cardiac check-up lifelong. Advised to immediately report to ER if: Chest pain at rest, sudden shortness of breath, black/tarry stools, blood in urine, sudden severe headache, weakness on one side, slurred speech, rapidly expanding swelling at wrist, fever >100.4ยฐF with chills.
๐ Page 19 โ Bibliography
- Brunner, L.S. & Suddarth, D.S. (2022). Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing (15th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. Chapter 27: Management of Patients with Coronary Vascular Disorders.
- NANDA International. (2024). Nursing Diagnoses: Definitions and Classification 2024-2026. Thieme.
- Levine, G.N., Bates, E.R., & Blankenship, J.C. (2023). 2023 ACC/AHA/SCAI Guideline for Coronary Artery Revascularization. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 82(4), e51-e200.
- Thygesen, K., Alpert, J.S., & Jaffe, A.S. (2024). Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction. Circulation.
- Mauri, L., Kereiakes, D.J., & Yeh, R.W. (2024). DAPT Duration After Drug-Eluting Stents โ Current Evidence and Recommendations. New England Journal of Medicine.
- Mehran, R., Dangas, G.D., & Weisbord, S.D. (2023). Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury โ Prevention and Management. New England Journal of Medicine.
- European Society of Cardiology. (2025). ESC Guidelines on Chronic Coronary Syndromes.
โ๏ธ Medical Disclaimer: This case study is prepared for educational and academic purposes only as part of nursing practical file work (ANM, GNM, BSc Nursing). It is not intended for actual patient care, clinical decision-making, or medical diagnosis.
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