Myocarditis is most often due to infection by common viruses, such as parvovirus B19, less commonly nonviral pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) or Trypanosoma cruzi, or as a hypersensitivity response to drugs.
Symptoms do develop they can include:
- Chest pain
- Fever (raised temperature)
- A fast heartbeat - faster than usual for a normal high temperature (fever)
- An irregular heartbeat
- Tiredness
- Shortness of breath
Nursing Diagnosis and Nursing Intervention for Myocarditis
Activity Intolerance
Related to :
- generalized weakness;
- reduced energy stores,
- increased metabolic rate from massive production of leukocytes,
- imbalance between oxygen supply and demand (anemia and hypoxia),
- therapeutic restrictions—isolation,
- bedrest;
- effect of drug therapy
Can be evidenced by
Expected Result / criteria for evaluation of patients will :
Nursing intervention and Rationale for Myocarditis :
- Verbal report of fatigue or weakness
- Exertional discomfort or dyspnea
- Abnormal heart rate or BP response
Expected Result / criteria for evaluation of patients will :
- Endurance
- Report a measurable increase in activity tolerance.
- Participate in ADLs to level of ability.
- Demonstrate a decrease in physiological signs of intolerance—pulse, respiration, and BP remain within client’s normal range.
Nursing intervention and Rationale for Myocarditis :
- Assess patient's response to the activity. Watch for changes and complaints of weakness, fatigue, and dyspnea related to activity.
R: myocarditis causing inflammation and possible damage to the function of myocardial cells. - Monitor frequency / heart rhythm, BP, and respiratory frequency before and after activity and as long as necessary.
R: helps determine the degree of cardiac and pulmonary decompensation. Decrease in blood pressure, tachycardia, dysrhythmias, and tachypnea is indicative of damage to the heart of activity tolerance. - Maintain bed rest during febrile period and according to indications.
R: improving the resolution of inflammation during the acute phase. - Plan of care, with periods of rest / sleep without interruption.
R: provide balance in the needs which the activity relies on the heart. - Assist patients in gradually progressive exercise program as soon as possible to get out of bed, noting the response of vital signs and patient tolerance to the increase in activity.
R: when inflammatory / basic condition is resolved, the patient may be able to perform the desired activity, except for permanent myocardial damage / complications. - Collaboration supplemental oxygen administration as indicated.
R: maximizing the availability of oxygen to reduce the heart's workload.
