Question 1

what are nursing implications following a cardiac catheterization?

Accepted Answer

Monitor patient: The nurse would monitor the patient to identify complications such as bleeding, stroke, low or high blood pressure, and  irregularities of the pulse. That would involve monitoring the vital signs such as pulse, respiration, blood pressure and temperature. Perhaps getting follow up blood tests. Administering medications for things such as pain. The nurse would notify the doctor of any problems.

Question 2

how long does cardiac catheterization last?

Accepted Answer

Depends: The length of time to perform a cardiac catheterization depends on many variables.  Often, for a straightforward case, the waiting and preparation take longer than the diagnostic procedure - which can take as little as 15 minutes.  If access is difficult or the anatomy tortuous, it can take much longer.

Question 3

how is a cardiac catheterization procedure concluded?

Accepted Answer

By closing entry: Cardiac catheterization is the procedure where a plastic tube is placed in an artery in the groin or wrist and  under xray guidance   dye is injected to visualize the coronary arteries and see if blockages are present. At the end of the procedure the catheter is removed from the entry point and  pressure is held to stop bleeding, a closing device may place a plug or a stitch may be placed.

Question 4

what people area most at risk from a cardiac catheterization?

Accepted Answer

Stroke or Bleeding: A cardiac catheterization is when a tube is inserted into the artery of the arm or leg and advanced to the heart to inject iodinated dye into the coronary arteries.  Risks include bleeding, stroke, heart attack, rhythm disturbances, and even death.  Overall risk of a major problem is 1:1000.  Poorer health, older age, severe hardening of the arteries, diabetes and renal failure increase the risk.

Question 5

how does someone best recover after a cardiac catheterization?

Accepted Answer

Not a big problem: Unless there is a complication, your leg where the catheter was inserted might be sore for a few days. Otherwise, there should not be a problem. A bruise in the area frequently occurs, but should not cause a problem.

Question 6

when can i expect the results for cardiac catheterization to be available?

Accepted Answer

Usually right away: In general, your cardiologist will speak to you (and perhaps your family members) right after your angiogram.  But of course, everything is individualised to the patient and the situation so speak to your cardiologist beforehand to ask when you can expect to discuss what is seen during the procedure with her/him.

Question 7

what is the difference between double cardiac catheterization and cardiac catheterization?

Accepted Answer

Unknown: I have been performing cardiac catheterizations  since my fellowship in 1990-1993 and I have never heard of a 'double' cardiac catheterization. It is possible to perform angiograms of other parts of the anatomy during a cardiac catheterizaiton but you only have one heart. However the cardiologist can perform a right and left heart catheterization instead of just a left heart which is more common.

Question 8

what information can be revealed by a cardiac catheterization?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac Cath: Most commonly to see the coronary artery anatomy but also for congenital heart disease valvular heart disease function of the heart muscle.

Question 9

what is the difference between an ivus and a cardiac catheterization?

Accepted Answer

Part of same: Ivus (intravascular ultrasound) is a diagnostic tool that can be used during cardiac catheterization when the angiographic pictures are not sufficient to determine the severity of a blockage. Ivus can be considered part of cardiac catheterization in a subset of patients who require it.

Question 10

when should someone stop consuming alcohol before cardiac catheterization?

Accepted Answer

Long before: Alcohol is a toxin to the heart and more than two drinks a day has been associated with arrhythmias and heavy drinking can lead to weakening of the heart.  Alcohol in moderation is good for the heart up to 2 glasses of red wine daily.  Since, alcohol can interact with medications, one should not consume alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to angiography.  Chronic drinkers, are a risk for withdrawl.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Post cardiac catheterization nursing care

A member asked:

What are nursing implications following a cardiac catheterization?

A member asked:

How long does cardiac catheterization last?

A member asked:

How is a cardiac catheterization procedure concluded?

A member asked:

What people area most at risk from a cardiac catheterization?

A member asked:

How does someone best recover after a cardiac catheterization?

A member asked:

When can i expect the results for cardiac catheterization to be available?

A member asked:

What is the difference between double cardiac catheterization and cardiac catheterization?

A member asked:

What information can be revealed by a cardiac catheterization?

A member asked:

What is the difference between an ivus and a cardiac catheterization?

A member asked:

When should someone stop consuming alcohol before cardiac catheterization?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?