CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM Cardiac Catheterization

Question 1

Pre- procedure, ask if they’re allergic to ____.

Answer 1

IODINE; shelfish (because of the dye)

Question 2

During the procedure, they may be asked to___. why? *That’s why we don’t like the patient to be completely knocked out.*

Answer 2

cough. that helps push the dye through the coronary arteries.

Question 3

2 reason why coughing is good during the procedure.

Answer 3

• helps push the dye through the coronary artery
• if heart rate drops, it will bring it back up again.

Question 4

what is the “hot shot”?

is that a normal sensation?

Answer 4

when they inject the dye;

yes (expect the patient of being warm and flushed. tell them ahead of time though to decrease anxiety).

Question 5

are palpitations normal when the catheter is being inserted?

Answer 5

yes

Question 6

watch the puncture site for____.

Answer 6

bleeding. put pressure there even if it’s just a little hematoma.

Question 7

ASSESS EXTREMITY DISTAL TO THE PUNCTURE SITE: What are the 5 Ps?

Answer 7

1- pulselessness

2- pallor

3- pain

4- paresthesia (tingling, pricking sensation)

5- paralysis

Question 8

Should the pulses be marked before they go to the cath lab?

Answer 8

yes; they may not be as easy to feel when they return.

Question 9

How should the patient be positioned and how long?

Answer 9

bed rest, flat, leg straight, for 6-8 hours (they can ambulate after this)

Question 10

They should report___ ASAP!

Answer 10

Pain