IntroductionCardiac catheterisation involves the insertion of a catheter into a vein or artery, usually from a groin or jugular access site, which is then guided into the heart. This procedure is
performed for both diagnostic and interventional purposes. Diagnostic catheters are used to assess blood flow and pressures in the chambers of the heart, valves and coronary arteries and to assist in the diagnosis and management of congenital heart defects. Interventional catheters are used as an alternative to open-heart surgery when possible and are involved in closing ventricular and atrial septal defects via catheter device closure, expansion of narrowed passages (pulmonary
stenosis), stent placement, ablation of abnormal electrical pathways and widening of existing openings (balloon atrial septectomy). Show
AimTo provide nurses with the knowledge and skill set to competently care for a patient post cardiac catheterisation. Definition of Terms
AssessmentRefer to Nursing Assessment nursing clinical practice guideline (Link). HistoryInclude the following when taking the history of a child post cardiac catheterisation:
Routine ManagementOn arrival to ward
Anticoagulation post cardiac catheterisation
Assessment and Management of ComplicationsComplications:
Hematoma
Arrhythmia
Thrombus
Retroperitoneal bleeding
Stroke
Escalation of care in relation to complications associated with cardiac catheterisation In relation to above complications listed when caring for a patient post a cardiac catheter, see the following process of escalation of care as per
protocol & following link: Rapid review:
MET criteria – 22 22, ward, department, level, building Catheterisation fellow - office hours: pager # 5719, after hours: pager # 4044. InvestigationsIn children who undergo diagnostic cardiac catheters no investigations are typically required unless complications are suspected.
Companion DocumentsNursing Clinical Guidelines
Evidence TableView the evidence table for the Care of the patient post cardiac catheterisation nursing guideline here. References
Please remember to read the disclaimer. The development of this nursing guideline was coordinated by Charmaine Cini, Nurse Educator, Koala Ward, and approved by the Nursing Clinical Effectiveness Committee. Updated December 2020.. What should I do if my radial pulse is irregular?If the pulse is irregular, count the rate for a full 60 seconds.. Invasive cardiovascular diagnostic tests (e.g., cardiac catherization using the radial artery for access). Surgery of an extremity.. Peripheral vascular disease.. Which action would take priority if a patient's apical pulse has an irregular rhythm?Which action would take priority if a patient's apical pulse has an irregular rhythm? Reassess the pulse for 1 full minute.
What is the most important action when taking a radial pulse?Which of the following is an important action when taking a radial pulse? Press fingers gently over the area of the artery.
What action should the nurse perform after identifying a pulse deficit?Which action should the nurse perform after identifying a pulse deficit? Reassess the apical-radial pulse in 5 minutes. Assess the patient for signs of decreased cardiac output. Notify the primary health care provider of the pulse deficit.
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