Mr. Smith is 52 years of age and is male patient who was admitted to the coronary care unit with the diagnosis of acute inferior myocardial infarction. The patient has a history of smoking two packs per day of cigarettes for 35 years, and he drinks a six-pack of beer on weekend nights but does not drink the rest of the week. He is the sole financial support for his family. He is a consultant for a company and is out of town during week days. His wife cares for their three teenage children. Mr. Smith developed chest pain and slumped over in his chair during an argument with his wife about their teenage daughter, who is 15 years of age and wanted to get birth control pills. The wife blames herself and daughter for her husband's heart attack. Following a coronary artery bypass graft, perfusion has been restored and no further damage is noted and there have been no complications. Mr. Smith has stabilized and is being transitioned to the general medical unit after spending 3 days on the coronary care unit. The coronary care unit has become increasingly busy and since Mr. Smith has stabilized he is being transitioned to the general medical floor. Chapter 28 of the text, Hinkle, and Cheever (2014) may be helpful.
As the coronary care or medical unit nurse, what are your top three concerns for this patient? What actions would you take to ensure a successful transition of care for the patient, family, and health care team?
How you will take the role of the coronary care unit nurse?