Cardiomyopathies are primary myocardial diseases: dilated (systolic failure), hypertrophic (diastolic/outflow obstruction), restrictive (stiff ventricle). Nursing aligns HF therapy, arrhythmia surveillance, activity guidance, and family screening themes for HCM. Connect Cardiomyopathy Types to bedside cues you will reassess first: vitals trends, work of breathing, perfusion, mentation, and pain or ischemic equivalents when relevant. NCLEX items often reward recognizing when subtle instability outweighs reassurance, then selecting nursing actions that protect airway, circulation, and neurologic status before routine tasks.