Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Cardiac Catherterization

Cardiac Catheterization
This is a procedure done on the heart. A doctor inserts a thin plastic tube (catheter) into an artery or vein in the arm or leg. It is advanced into the chambers of the heart or into the coronary arteries
Purpose This test is used to measure blood pressure within the heart and the amount of oxygen in the blood. It's also used to get information about the pumping ability of the heart muscle. It may be also used to determine the need for surgery
Catheters are also used to inject dye into the coronary arteries. This is called coronary angiography or coronary arteriograph. Catheterization is also done on infants and children to examine or treat congenital heart defects.
Nursing care after cardiac catheterization
Ø Monitor pulse and blood pressure every 15minutes for 1 hour and then every 30 minutes for 3 hours.
Ø Check the pulse that is distal to the catheter insertion site to determine patency of the artery the pulse may be slightly diminished for 24 hours because of arterial spasms or edema at the site
Ø Monitor insertion site for signs of bleeding, swelling (hematoma), inflammation and tenderness.
Ø If femoral approach was used, patient should be kept on bed rest for 3-4 hours.
Ø Bed should be flat or the head of the bed should not be elevated more than 30degrees.
Ø Keep the affected leg straight.
Ø If the brachial site is used for cardiac catheterization, keep the arm straight for several hours usually with an arm board.
Ø Patient can be up in room as soon as vital sighs are stable.

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