ambulation and femoral sheaths

[clarefh]

I have recently started a new job where post diagnostic coronary angiogram, they let the pts move from the table on to the trolley. I have changed this practice but a literature search is fruitless - only mentions any ambulation post femoral sheath removal.

What happens elsewhere? Can anyone give me any clues as to some literature support of 'best practise'?

[JustMe]

Where I work (CICU) we let patients move around--i.e. log-roll side-to-side--but only if the sheath site is stable. No oozing or hematoma. If we let the patient turn for a comfortable position they can only turn onto the affected side so the leg stays straight. The most common complaint of pain with this procedure is back pain so we try to help keep the patients comfortable so they will keep the let straight. No, we don't usually let them move themselves from the gurney to the bed. Our patients get heparin boluses during the procedure so we're pretty cautious.

You're right. There isn't much in the way of research into best practices for post-angiogram care. I tried to find such literature during my grad degree.

Just my