Cardiac: 12 Nursing Care Plans
Care plans for cardiovascular disorders and perfusion problems. Every plan below follows the ADPIE format — assessment cues, priority nursing diagnoses, measurable goals, interventions with rationales and patient teaching.
Quick answer
Cardiac care plans cover 12 conditions, most commonly diagnosed with decreased cardiac output, activity intolerance, acute pain, anxiety. Use each plan for clinical paperwork, ATI and NCLEX-style review, and bedside prioritization.
Most common nursing diagnoses in cardiac
All cardiac nursing care plans
Angina Pectoris (CAD) Nursing Care Plan
Chest pain from myocardial ischemia; nitrates, rest, risk-factor teaching and pain-pattern tracking.
Nursing diagnoses: Acute pain, Decreased cardiac output, Anxiety, Deficient knowledge
5 intervention sets · 6 goals · 7 teaching points
Read the care planCardiac Arrhythmias & Digitalis Toxicity Nursing Care Plan
Rhythm disturbances and drug toxicity; continuous monitoring, electrolyte correction and pulse checks.
Nursing diagnoses: Decreased cardiac output, Risk for injury, Activity intolerance
7 intervention sets · 6 goals · 8 teaching points
Read the care planCardiac Catheterization Nursing Care Plan
Pre/post procedure care with site bleeding checks, distal pulses, hydration and contrast precautions.
Nursing diagnoses: Risk for bleeding, Ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion, Anxiety
5 intervention sets · 6 goals · 7 teaching points
Read the care planCardiogenic Shock Nursing Care Plan
Pump failure with hypoperfusion; ICU care with inotropes, hemodynamic monitoring and oxygenation.
Nursing diagnoses: Decreased cardiac output, Impaired gas exchange, Ineffective tissue perfusion
5 intervention sets · 6 goals · 6 teaching points
Read the care planCongenital Heart Disease Nursing Care Plan
Structural defects in infants and children; feeding tolerance, growth, cyanosis and surgical prep.
Nursing diagnoses: Decreased cardiac output, Imbalanced nutrition, Delayed growth and development
3 intervention sets · 4 goals · 4 teaching points
Read the care planDecreased Cardiac Output Nursing Care Plan
Insufficient blood pumped for metabolic demand; monitor perfusion signs and optimize preload/afterload.
Nursing diagnoses: Decreased cardiac output, Activity intolerance, Excess fluid volume
3 intervention sets · 4 goals · 4 teaching points
Read the care planHeart Failure Nursing Care Plan
Congestive failure care: daily weights, fluid/sodium limits, diuretics and dyspnea management.
Nursing diagnoses: Decreased cardiac output, Excess fluid volume, Activity intolerance, Impaired gas exchange
5 intervention sets · 5 goals · 9 teaching points
Read the care planHypertension Nursing Care Plan
Sustained high blood pressure; lifestyle modification, adherence support and end-organ monitoring.
Nursing diagnoses: Risk for decreased cardiac output, Deficient knowledge, Ineffective health maintenance
6 intervention sets · 6 goals · 8 teaching points
Read the care planHypovolemic Shock Nursing Care Plan
Circulating volume loss; rapid fluid/blood resuscitation and bleeding source control.
Nursing diagnoses: Deficient fluid volume, Decreased cardiac output, Ineffective tissue perfusion
7 intervention sets · 6 goals · 6 teaching points
Read the care planImpaired Tissue Perfusion & Ischemia Nursing Care Plan
Reduced blood flow to tissues; positioning, perfusion checks and risk-factor control.
Nursing diagnoses: Ineffective tissue perfusion, Acute pain, Risk for impaired skin integrity
3 intervention sets · 4 goals · 4 teaching points
Read the care planMyocardial Infarction Nursing Care Plan
Heart attack care: rapid reperfusion, pain relief, arrhythmia watch and cardiac rehab teaching.
Nursing diagnoses: Acute pain, Decreased cardiac output, Anxiety, Activity intolerance
5 intervention sets · 5 goals · 9 teaching points
Read the care planPacemaker Therapy Nursing Care Plan
Device implantation care with site checks, arm restrictions, capture monitoring and safety teaching.
Nursing diagnoses: Risk for infection, Decreased cardiac output, Deficient knowledge
3 intervention sets · 4 goals · 4 teaching points
Read the care planNursing priorities across these plans
- Angina Pectoris (CAD): Relieve ischemic pain immediately and reduce myocardial oxygen demand.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias & Digitalis Toxicity: Determine hemodynamic stability before anything else.
- Cardiac Catheterization: Verify informed consent, allergies, and renal function before the procedure.
- Cardiogenic Shock: Recognize early signs of inadequate perfusion — cool skin, altered mentation, falling urine output.
- Congenital Heart Disease: Maintain adequate oxygenation and perfusion.
- Decreased Cardiac Output: Detect and treat the underlying cause of reduced output.
- Heart Failure: Improve cardiac output and tissue perfusion.
- Hypertension: Confirm elevated pressures with accurate, repeated technique in both arms.
Exams that test this content
Common questions
What are the most common nursing diagnoses in Cardiac care plans?
The nursing diagnoses that repeat most often across our 12 cardiac care plans are: Decreased cardiac output; Activity intolerance; Acute pain; Anxiety; Deficient knowledge; Ineffective tissue perfusion.
Which cardiac nursing care plans should a student know?
Start with Angina Pectoris (CAD), Cardiac Arrhythmias & Digitalis Toxicity, Cardiac Catheterization, Cardiogenic Shock, Congenital Heart Disease, Decreased Cardiac Output, Heart Failure, Hypertension. Each plan lists assessment cues, priority diagnoses, measurable goals, interventions with rationales and patient teaching.
How many cardiac care plans are in this library?
12 care plans, all free to read and written in the ADPIE format used in nursing school and on ATI and NCLEX-style questions.