Decreased Cardiac Output: Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan
🎓 Educational reference. Match to your patient's actual assessment data and have your instructor review it.
Definition: Inadequate blood pumped by the heart to meet the body's metabolic demands.
Related factors ("related to")
- Altered heart rate/rhythm
- Reduced contractility
- Fluid overload
Defining characteristics ("as evidenced by")
- Fatigue, dyspnea
- Edema, JVD, abnormal heart sounds
- Altered vital signs
Sample goals / outcomes
- Patient maintains adequate perfusion (stable vitals, clear mentation, adequate urine output).
Nursing interventions
- Monitor cardiac rhythm, vitals, and perfusion
- Give cardiac medications as ordered
- Balance activity and rest; monitor fluid status
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Build a care plan freeDecreased Cardiac Output nursing diagnosis: FAQ
What is the Decreased Cardiac Output nursing diagnosis?
Inadequate blood pumped by the heart to meet the body's metabolic demands.
What are the related factors for Decreased Cardiac Output?
Common related factors: Altered heart rate/rhythm; Reduced contractility; Fluid overload. In your care plan, write it as "Decreased Cardiac Output related to [factor] as evidenced by [your patient's data]."
What are nursing interventions for Decreased Cardiac Output?
Key interventions: Monitor cardiac rhythm, vitals, and perfusion; Give cardiac medications as ordered; Balance activity and rest; monitor fluid status — each with a rationale in your plan.
Last reviewed 2026-07. Educational content in standard clinical language; not medical advice and not affiliated with NANDA-I/NIC/NOC.