Nursing Diagnosis for Angina Pectoris | Anxiety

Nursing diagnosis: anxiety related to situational crises; threat to self-concept, such as altered image or abilities; underlying pathophysiological response; threat to or change in health status, such as a disease course that can lead to further compromise, debility, and even death; negative self-talk.

Possibly evidenced by

Expressed concern regarding changes in life events

Increased tension and helplessness

Apprehension, uncertainty, restlessness

Association of diagnosis with loss of healthy body image, loss of place or influence

View of self as noncontributing member of family or society

Fear of death as an imminent reality

Desired Outcomes/Evaluation Criteria—Client Will

Anxiety Self-Control

Verbalize awareness of feelings of anxiety and healthy ways to deal with them.

Report that anxiety is reduced to a manageable level.

Express concerns about effect of disease on lifestyle and position within family and society.

Demonstrate effective coping strategies and problem-solving skills.

Nursing care plan intervention with rationale:

1. Explain purpose of tests and procedures.

Rationale: Reduces anxiety attributable to fear of unknown diagnosis and prognosis.

2. Promote expression of feelings and fears such as denial, depression, and anger. Let client or SO know these are normal reactions. Note statements of concern, such as, “heart attack is inevitable.”

Rationale: Unexpressed feelings may create internal turmoil and affect self-image. Verbalization of concerns reduces tension, verifies level of coping, and facilitates dealing with feelings. Presence of negative self-talk can increase level of anxiety and may contribute to exacerbation of anginal

attacks.

3. Encourage family and friends to treat client as before.

Rationale: Reassures client that role in the family and business has not been altered.

4. Tell client the medical regimen has been designed to reduce or limit future attacks and increase cardiac stability.

Rationale: Encourages client to test symptom control such as no angina with certain levels of activity, to increase confidence in medical program, and to integrate abilities into perceptions of self.

5. Administer sedatives and tranquilizers, as indicated.

Rationale: May be desired to help client relax until physically able to reestablish adequate coping strategies.