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Chapter 2
•
Cardiovascular Care
Treatment of Myocardial
Infarction
•
Pain relief
•
Stabilization of heart rhythm
•
Revascularization of the coronary
artery
•
Preservation of myocardial tissue
•
Reduction of cardiac workload
•
Thrombolytic therapy
•
PCI such as coronary angioplasty
with stenting opens the narrowed
or blocked segments of a coronary
artery
•
PCI.
Pharmacologic Therapy for
Myocardial Infarction: MONA
1.
M (morphine)—Relieves chest
pain.
2.
O (oxygen)—Increases
oxygenation to ischemic heart
muscle.
3.
N (nitrates)—Vasodilator
reduces preload by decreasing
blood return to the heart and
decreasing oxygen demand.
4.
A (aspirin)—Immediate
dosing by mouth (chewed) is
recommended to halt platelet
aggregation.
Nursing Assessment for
Patients with Chest Pain
•
Determine intensity of patient’s
pain by asking the patient to
describe pain intensity on a scale
of 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain).
•
Access precipitating causes of pain
and pain quality.
•
After eating? After certain
physical activities? After
emotional stress?
•
Where is the pain located? Does
it radiate?
•
Is the onset sudden? Gradual?
•
How long did the pain last?
•
Is the pain steady? Consistent
in quality?
•
Is the pain associated with
other symptoms? Sweating?
Light-headedness? Nausea?
Palpitations? Shortness of
breath?
•
Is there anything that makes it
worse?
•
How is the pain relieved?
•
Obtain a 12-lead ECG
•
Observe patient for signs and
symptoms, including diaphoresis,
shortness of breath, protective
body posture, dusky facial color,
and/or changes in level of
consciousness (LOC).
•
Position patient in a comfortable
position such as Fowler position
which promotes ventilation.
•
Administer oxygen, if indicated.
•
Obtain BP, apical heart rate, and
respiratory rate.
•
Administer antiangina drug(s), as
prescribed.
•
Monitor for relief of pain and the
duration of the angina episode.
•
Monitor vital sights every 5 to
20 minutes until angina pain
subsides.
TIP:
Remember the acronym: MONA.
Nursing Considerations
•
Monitor blood pressure, heart
rate, and breath sounds.
•
Observe for associated symptoms:
dyspnea, nausea and vomiting,
dizziness, palpitations.
•
Assess pain and treat appropriately
as ordered.
•
Record the severity, location, type,
duration, and relief of pain.
•
Continuously monitor ECG
rhythm strips to detect rate
changes and arrhythmias; treat
according to facility protocol.
•
Analyze rhythm strips, and place a
representative strip in the patient’s
chart if any new arrhythmias are
identified, if chest pain occurs, or
at least every shift or according to
facility protocol.
•
Assess for crackles, cough,
tachypnea, and edema, which may
indicate impending left-sided HF.
Carefully monitor daily weight,
intake and output, respiratory
rate, serum enzyme levels, ECG
readings, and blood pressure.
Auscultate for adventitious breath
sounds periodically (patients on
bed rest typically have atelectatic
crackles, which may disappear
after coughing) and for S
3
or S
4
gallops.
•
Provide a stool softener to prevent
straining during defecation, which
causes vagal stimulation and may
slow heart rate.
•
After thrombolytic therapy,
administer continuous heparin
as ordered. Monitor the partial
thromboplastin time every 6 hours
and monitor the patient for
evidence of bleeding.
•
Place patient at complete rest
during anginal episodes.
•
Stay with patient who is
experiencing pain or appears
anxious.
•
Provide emotional support to help
reduce stress and anxiety.
•
Maintain quiet, comfortable
environment.
•
Administer oxygen as ordered.
Teaching About Acute Coronary Syndrome
•
Explain dosages and
therapy to promote
compliance with the
prescribed medication
regimen and other
treatment measures.
•
Review dietary restrictions with
patient and family.
•
Encourage the patient to
participate in a cardiac
rehabilitation exercise program.
LESSON PLANS
•
Counsel the patient to resume
sexual activity progressively.
•
Advise the patient about
appropriate responses to new or
recurrent symptoms.
•
Advise the patient to report typical
or atypical chest pain.
•
Stress the need to stop smoking.
If necessary, refer the patient to a
support group.