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Topic: Identify a cardiac or respiratory dysfunction and its cause. Outline the key steps necessary to prevent the dysfunction and improve health status.
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN Discussion Question Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.
Example 1 (panina) Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a prevalent cardiac dysfunction characterized by the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The primary cause of CAD is the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, a process known as atherosclerosis. This plaque buildup is composed of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances. Over time, it can restrict blood flow to the heart, leading to chest pain (angina), heart attack, or other serious complications. Preventing CAD and improving heart health involves a multifaceted approach (Agrawal et al., 2020). Firstly, adopting a heart-healthy diet is crucial. This includes incorporating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources, and healthy fats, while minimizing saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars. Such a diet helps in controlling cholesterol levels and maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of CAD.
Regular physical activity is also essential for preventing CAD. Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week helps in controlling weight, lowering blood pressure, improving circulation, and managing stress. Additionally, quitting smoking is paramount, as smoking damages the arteries and significantly increases the risk of CAD (Shao et al., 2020). Smoking cessation programs, support groups, counseling, and nicotine replacement therapy can aid in quitting. Managing stress is another key aspect of CAD prevention. Chronic stress contributes to CAD risk, so practicing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or engaging in hobbies can be beneficial. Furthermore, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels through medication, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications is crucial. Limiting alcohol intake, regular health check-ups, and following prescribed treatment plans diligently round out the preventive measures against CAD. By incorporating these steps into daily life, individuals can reduce their risk of developing CAD and improve their overall heart health.
References Agrawal, H., Choy, H. H. K., Liu, J., Auyoung, M., & Albert, M. A. (2020). Coronary artery disease. Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology, 40(7), e185-e192. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/ATVBAHA.120.313608
Shao, C., Wang, J., Tian, J., & Tang, Y. D. (2020). Coronary Artery Disease: From Mechanism to Clinical Practice. Advances in experimental medicine and biology, 1177, 1–36. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-2517-9_1
Example 2 (Martha)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disorder characterized by long-term breathing problems and poor airflow. The primary cause of COPD is long-term exposure to irritants that damage the lungs and airways, with cigarette smoke being the most common irritant. Other contributing factors include air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust. Genetic factors, such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, can also increase susceptibility to COPD. To prevent COPD and improve health status, several key steps are essential (Prasad, 2020). Smoking cessation is the most crucial step, as quitting smoking can significantly slow the disease’s progression and improve lung function. Smoking cessation programs, counseling, and medications provide necessary support for individuals attempting to quit. Avoiding lung irritants is another critical measure. Reducing exposure to pollutants, dust, and chemical fumes, wearing protective gear in occupational settings, and ensuring good indoor air quality with air purifiers are effective strategies to protect lung health.
Regular health screenings are vital for early detection and management of COPD. Check-ups and lung function tests, especially for those at higher risk, allow for early diagnosis and timely intervention, which can slow disease progression and improve outcomes. Vaccinations also play a preventive role. The flu and pneumococcal vaccines can reduce the risk of respiratory infections, exacerbations, and complications in COPD patients, maintaining overall respiratory health. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for lung health (Vindhyvasni & Gupta, 2020). A balanced diet, regular physical activity, and stress management contribute to better respiratory function and overall well-being. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs, including exercise training, nutritional advice, and education, significantly improve the quality of life for COPD patients. By implementing these preventive measures, individuals can reduce their risk of developing COPD and improve their respiratory health, leading to a better quality of life and reduced healthcare costs. Taking proactive steps in prevention and early management makes a significant difference in the lives of those at risk for or living with COPD.
References PRASAD, B. (2020). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). International Journal of Pharmacy Research & Technology (IJPRT), 10(1), 67-71. https://ijprt.org/index.php/pub/article/view/122
Vindhyvasni, R. P. D., & Gupta, A. (2020). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Pharma Innovation Journal, 9, 302-304. https://www.thepharmajournal.com/archives/2020/vol9issue1/PartE/8-5-81-678.pdf
Example 3 (Brenda) Myocardial dysfunction is a cardiac dysfunction that I often see at my current place of work There are two kinds of myocardial infarction which are ST elevated myocardial infarction and non ST elevated myocardial infarction. A myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when the flow of blood to a part of the heart muscle is suddenly blocked. This blockage, often due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the coronary arteries, leads to insufficient oxygen supply to the heart tissue. Therefore, a patient suffering from Myocardial Infarction would be a non ST elevated or ST elevated myocardial infarction. When the coronary artery becomes completely occluded that is when the patient has an ST elevated Myocardial Infarction. The signs and symptoms of myocardial infarction include chest pain (may feel like pressure, tightness, or aching), pain or discomfort spreading to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth, or upper belly, cold sweat, fatigue, heartburn or indigestion, lightheartedness or sudden dizziness, nausea and shortness of breath. The treatment options for these two are very different, STEMI’s require immediate revascularization and often require the patients to go heart catherization lab, if the hospital does not have one then the patient will be placed on thrombolytic or anticoagulants. NSTEMI’s are often treated with just blood thinners in an effort to prevent further occlusion in the arteries (Johnson, 2022). Steps needed in order to prevent Myocardial Infarction and improve patients overall health is to stop smoking or using tobacco if they do. the second step is physical exercise at least thirty to sixty minutes a day. Other ways to prevent this heart condition is by consuming a heart healthy diet full of vegetables, fruit, beans, lean means, fish, whole grain and olive oil. Getting adequate sleep and managing stress effectively in a healthy manner is another prevention strategy (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
Johnson, A. R. (2022). Cardiorespiratory complexities. In Pathophysiology: Clinical Applications for Client Health (2nd ed., pp. 7–38). chapter, Grand Canyon University (GCU).
https://bibliu.com/app/#/view/books/1000000000590/epub/Chapter1.html.
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, January 14). Top strategies to prevent heart disease. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/heart-disease-prevention/art-20046502