Aortic Valve Replacement (FEAR)

Medical Diagnosis:           Aortic Valve Replacement

NURSING DIAGNOSIS

Fear RT syncope, recent, cardiac stent placement AEB pt verbalization
of fear, sweating, expression of tired and fatigue, “heavy chest”,
malaise.

ASSESSMENT DATA

Subjective

Pt states ”this has been really hard, pt reported excitement to go home, but fear for caring for son, pt states he feels nauseous

Objective

Pt sitting in chair, pt walking around unit

PLAN OUTCOME CRITERIA

Patient will verbalize known fears at the end of shift.

Patient will verbalize and demonstrate effective coping mechanism by
the time of discharge.

INTERVENTIONS

The nurse will spend time with the patient discussing fears and allow
the patient to express fears.

RN will instruct the patient on relaxation techniques including
biofeedback, yoga, and imagery.

RN will provide distraction interventions when patient is feeling
increased fear.

Rational

Allowing the patient to openly discuss fear will help the patient to
get into touch with their fears and to better understand their what
triggers their fears.

Relaxation techniques help to reduce fear and anxiety.  These
techniques will aid the patient in developing coping strategies that
can be used when on their own and discharged from the hospital.

Distraction can aid in acute fear and anxiety to divert attention from the fear.

EVALUATION

Pt demonstrates optimism for going home but also expresses fear about caring for self and family once home.

References: Varcarolis, E., Halter, M. (2010). Foundations of psychiatric mental  health nursing: A clinical approach 6th. Saunders, St Louis.