Cardiomyopathy
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Cardiomyopathy
Also testable as: Dilated cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Restrictive cardiomyopathy
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Genetic, ischemic, viral, toxic, pregnancy-related, hypertensive, or infiltrative causes can weaken or stiffen heart muscle.
- The heart muscle cannot fill, squeeze, or relax effectively, leading to low output or congestion.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Diuretics | May reduce fluid overload in heart failure symptoms. |
| Beta blockers | May reduce workload and support rhythm/rate control in selected plans. |
| ACE inhibitors / ARBs | May support afterload and remodeling management in selected plans. |
Signs / symptoms
- New dyspnea, edema, S3, weight gain.
- Syncope or palpitations in hypertrophic disease is priority.
Nursing actions
- Assess dyspnea, edema, fatigue, weight gain, lung sounds, pulses, and activity tolerance.
- Monitor rhythm changes and signs of poor perfusion.
- Teach daily weights, sodium/fluid plan if ordered, medication adherence, and when to report worsening symptoms.
Complications
- Heart failure
- Dysrhythmias
- Thromboembolism
- Sudden cardiac death
NCLEX cues
- New dyspnea, edema, S3, weight gain.
- Syncope or palpitations in hypertrophic disease is priority.
Memory hooks
- Cardiomyopathy means muscle problem first.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Echocardiogram
- BNP
- ECG
- Chest imaging
- Cardiac MRI or genetic testing when ordered
Review notes
- Supplemental wife-requested study card. Use for NCLEX review only and verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy.
Cross references
Related cards are generated from the shared study map, not hand-built per page.
Condition card for Cardiomyopathy: recognize the testable cue, prevent the complication, and choose the safest first nursing action.
Heart pump problem that can cause fluid overload and poor perfusion.
Fluid accumulation in tissues.
Reduces angiotensin effect so vessels relax and aldosterone-driven sodium and water retention decreases.
Blocks beta stimulation so heart rate, contractility, and blood pressure can decrease.
Moves fluid out through the kidneys; the exact electrolyte effect depends on the class.
Ultrasound of heart structure, valves, movement, and blood flow.
Electrical tracing or monitoring of heart rhythm.