1. The client/caregiver can define cardiomyopathy.
   1. There is a chronic condition with structural changes in the heart muscle.
   2. The heart muscle loses its ability to pump blood efficiently and is a chronic condition often resulting in heart failure.
   3. There are three major types of cardiomyopathy: dilated, hypertrophic, and restrictive.
2. The client/caregiver can recognize signs and symptoms of cardiomyopathy.
   1. Shortness of breath (dyspnea) on exertion and when lying down
   2. Fatigue leading to decreased activity tolerance
   3. Swelling of the legs
   4. Palpitations
   5. Chest pain
   6. Fainting, lightheadedness, or passing out after activity
   7. Low amount of urine during the day but need to urinate at night
   8. Possible cough
3. The client/caregiver can list complications of cardiomyopathy.
   1. Encourage healthy weight
   2. Follow dietary instructions such as fluid restriction and low-sodium diet
   3. Avoid the use of tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine-containing products
   4. Receive pneumonia and influenza vaccinations
   5. Monitor the level of activity/exercise for signs of dyspnea or chest pain
   6. Restrict driving if syncope is a common symptom
   7. Monitor for irregular pulse or rapid heart rate
   8. Take medication as ordered by physician
   9. Use of oxygen as needed and ordered
   10. Relaxation and positive-thinking techniques
   11. Monitor for depression or social isolation
4. The client/caregiver can list factors that will help manage the disease.
   1. Pulmonary diseases that compromise cardiac function
   2. Need for various cardiac surgeries, pacemaker insertion, implanted automatic defibrillator, dynamic cardiomyoplasty surgery, or even heart transplant.
   3. Formation of blood clots

Resources

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
www.nhlbi.nih.gov

Support groups such as Mended Hearts
www.mendedhearts.org

American Heart Association
www.americanheart.org

Advance directives (American Medical Association)
www.medem.com/index.cfm

Hospice

References

Advance care planning: Guidance for patients. (2001). American Medical Association.
Hitchcock, J. E., Schubert, P. E., & Thomas, S. A. (2003). Community health nursing: Caring in action. Clifton Park, NY: Thomson Delmar Learning.
Timby, B. K., & Smith, N. C. (2003). Introductory medical-surgical nursing (8th ed.). Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Credits

Client Teaching Guides for Home Health Care, 2nd ed.
© 2008 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc.
www.jbpub.com