Coronary artery disease
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Cardiachigh priorityneeds review
Coronary artery disease
Also testable as: CAD, Atherosclerotic heart disease
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Atherosclerotic plaque narrows coronary arteries and can rupture or thrombose.
- Reduced coronary blood flow causes myocardial ischemia; complete blockage can cause myocardial infarction.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Antiplatelets | Reduces platelet aggregation risk in many CAD plans. |
| Nitrates | Used for angina symptom relief and preload reduction in selected clients. |
| Beta blockers | Can reduce myocardial oxygen demand when not contraindicated. |
| ACE inhibitors / ARBs | May support BP and cardiac remodeling management in selected plans. |
| Anticoagulants | Used in selected acute coronary syndrome or procedure pathways. |
Nursing actions
- Treat new chest pain as circulation priority: stop activity, assess pain, vitals, oxygenation, ECG pathway, and ordered medications.
- Ask about aspirin allergy, recent phosphodiesterase inhibitor use, hypotension, and anticoagulant/bleeding history before routine medication assumptions.
- Teach risk reduction: smoking cessation, BP/glucose/lipid control, activity plan, and when to call emergency services.
Complications
- Acute coronary syndrome
- Dysrhythmias
- Heart failure
- Cardiogenic shock
NCLEX cues
- Crushing chest pressure, diaphoresis, nausea, shortness of breath.
- Women, older adults, and diabetics may have atypical symptoms.
- Do not drive self with possible MI symptoms.
Memory hooks
- CAD is oxygen supply-demand mismatch until proven otherwise.
Labs / Diagnostics
- 12-lead ECG
- Troponin trends
- Lipid panel
- Cardiac catheterization
- Stress testing when stable
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.