Nursing care of a patient with acute coronary syndrome after coronary angiography

Abstract

Introduction. Based on the literature and scientific articles, the paper accurately depicts the anatomy of the human heart, the characteristics of acute coronary syndrome, epidemiology, and etiology. The symptoms and complications of acute coronary syndrome are discussed. Patient qualification for coronary angiography and the contribution of nursing care to the patient after coronary artery angiography are presented. The problems faced by the patient are characterized and nursing interventions are suggested, considering the patient's history and the physical examination performed.

Aim. The purpose of the work is to present the tasks of a nurse and to define the nursing problems of a patient with acute coronary syndrome after a coronary angiography procedure.  

Case study. A 66-year-old patient admitted to the cardiological intensive care unit due to pain in the chest, located behind the sternum, with a burning character thatra diates to the left arm, shortness of breath, palpitations and sweating. Currently, the patient is on the first day after coronary angiography. The patient doesn’t report heart pain, but reports pain, redness and bruising at the puncture site. The patient feels anxious about his health, feels lonely. The patient enquires the help of the nursing staff in self-service activities.

Conclusions. The statements developed in the work based on literature, scientific articles and the implementation of the nursing process for a patient with acute coronary syndrome after coronary angiography correctly and clearly show the commitment of nurses to the patient. Nursing care of the patient after coronary angiography consists primarily in monitoring the patient 's vital signs and documenting them, systematically assessing the puncture site of the artery, observing the patient, the supply of painkillers on a written medical order, assessing the level of anxiety, providing support and reliable information on the history of acute coronary syndrome and the performed coronary angiography. A very important action is also patient education, whose task is to equalize knowledge and provide the patient with the necessary skills for self-care.