Many components of Henderson's 14 Basic Needs can be applied to cardiac nursing. Breathing normally is one of the topmost need among the list and without it, the circulatory system cannot deliver its most important commodity, oxygen. For a cardiac nurse to be affective, she should ensure that this fundamental need is met before the rest. Maintaining a desirable position, emphasizing maximal intake of air to relieve dyspneic situations is also a common intervention in this field of nursing. Many of the disease processes require knowledge of it to prevent complications or to halt the progression of a certain situation into a graver one e.g. Trendelenburg positioning in a patient with air embolism during total parenteral nutrition therapy.
Maintenance of optimal body temperature is also an application in this area since it is a must to conserve myocardial oxygen demand most especially to pediatric patients with Congenital Heart disease of the cyanotic type. Hypothermic states produce shivering and chills that will result to increased workload to the already compromised heart eventually increasing Oxygen consumption. It is then imperative that the cardiac nurse be able to maintain a normal body temperature to decrease metabolic demands of this patient.
Compassion- defined as alleviating the suffering of the patient as soon as possible is very evident also in this field. Communicating with patients by expressing emotions, needs, fears or opinions will greatly project the element of compassion. Being there with the patient, during episodes of chest pain and difficulty of breathing greatly helps alleviate the fear. And even without pharmacologic interventions yet, communication has bridged the nurse with the patient.
Controlling the environment is part of the Coronary Care Unit. For a patient who had just experienced Myocardial Infaction, his recovery is enhanced when his environment is free of noise, subtle lighting to maximize rest and sleep, adequte air movement and good atmospheric pressure as exemplified by spatial control in his room.He should also be protected from injurious chemicals such as the corrosive actions of bicarbonate drips for his metabolic acidosis and the prevention of infection through the cleanliness of surfaces and furnishings coming in contact with the patient. The cardiac nurse clearly understands the idea of Henderson that she should make the environment act positively upon the patient.