Which underlying causes should be included in the initial nursing assessment for a client with angina?

In the context of a client presenting with angina, the initial nursing assessment should encompass risk factors that significantly contribute to cardiovascular disease. Diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure are critical underlying causes to consider.

Diabetes mellitus directly affects glucose metabolism and can lead to accelerated atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of coronary artery disease, which is often linked to angina. High blood pressure, or hypertension, places additional strain on the heart and blood vessels, contributing to the development of coronary artery disease and episodes of angina. These factors are significant because they both reflect the client's overall cardiovascular risk profile and their potential to exacerbate angina symptoms due to insufficient oxygen supply to heart tissue during exertion or stress.

Taking these two conditions into account during the initial assessment allows healthcare providers to create a focused, tailored plan for managing the client's angina and addressing modifiable risk factors effectively. Understanding these underlying causes is crucial for informing lifestyle changes, medication management, and ongoing monitoring.