Living with coronary artery disease. The nurse's role.

Patients returning home from the hospital after experiencing an acute myocardial infarction have to make adjustments in their lifestyle in living with coronary artery disease. This article addressed the nurse's role as it relates to the early and late convalescence of patients in helping them in their adjustments and in their participation in organized community "caring and sharing" groups. An essential element is to consider the patient as part of a family structure so that family needs might be assessed and met through individual or group sessions and by the use of appropriate resources.