cath lab RNs... is it protocol to DC Aspirin prior

Where I've worked they didn't stop ASA.

They have a protocol at my job. If the patient didn't have an ASA that day--have him chew a 325 mg ASA. (chewing the ASA helps it absorb faster)

Our pci patients also usually continue to get asa...

Our surgeons aren't happy when they take their asa, we load them with plavix and oops..they need an emergent cabg!

Or can you direct me to learning more about this? Our little hospital takes care of patients with pneumonias and cellulitis and dehydration and other "medical" needs. So my last experience with more invasive medicine was in nursing school 9 years ago.

BTW - you all are great and helpful and I am really enjoying this site!!!

EDIT - I was thinking that a PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) is like a stent or angioplasty during the cath?

Our pre-cath orders state 325mg ASA "stat"- also any emergent acute MI gets ASA before they're whisked off to cath lab. We generally give 4 of the 81 mg chewables.

Or can you direct me to learning more about this? Our little hospital takes care of patients with pneumonias and cellulitis and dehydration and other "medical" needs. So my last experience with more invasive medicine was in nursing school 9 years ago.

BTW - you all are great and helpful and I am really enjoying this site!!!

Thanks!

EDIT - I was thinking that a PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) is like a stent or angioplasty during the cath?

There are all kinds of sites if you go to google and type in PTCA/cardiac catheterization, stent, percutaneous coronary intervention...Many of these site have pictures, diagrams, and explanations of the procedure. Of course, not knowing your mothers cardiac issues, the best source of information is her doctor :) The following site is the american college of cardiology associations guidelines for pci...the site has a lot of valuable information.

http://www.acc.org/clinical/guidelines/percutaneous/dirIndex.htm

The following is a section of the web page regarding PCIs that I recommended you to.

(http://www.acc.org)...

Although initially limited to balloon angioplasty and termed percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), PCI now includes other new techniques capable of relieving coronary narrowing. Accordingly, in this document, rotational atherectomy, directional atherectomy, extraction atherectomy, laser angioplasty, implantation of intracoronary stents and other catheter devices for treating coronary atherosclerosis are considered components of PCI.

Hey all,

I am a recent graduate "May 03" that works nights on a Tele unit. It was my understanding that not only is Plavix and ASA given pre PTCA it is highly recommended. The decreased platelet aggregation is a necessary component especially when you take in effect all the manipulation that takes place in the coronary arteries.Reducing the chance of thrombus formation. When I prep my patients for 1st case cath there is always this particular cocktail onboard. Lovenox and other anticoagulants are DC'd prior however.

Jloihle

Hey all,

I am a recent graduate "May 03" that works nights on a Tele unit. It was my understanding that not only is Plavix and ASA given pre PTCA it is highly recommended. The decreased platelet aggregation is a necessary component especially when you take in effect all the manipulation that takes place in the coronary arteries.Reducing the chance of thrombus formation. When I prep my patients for 1st case cath there is always this particular cocktail onboard. Lovenox and other anticoagulants are DC'd prior however.

Jloihle

Lovenox does not need to be held prior to going to the cath lab. Sheaths shouldnt be pulled til 8 hrs after the last dose, but please do not hold anticoagulation.

We get a large number of patients from outlying hospitals for rescue PCI. Does anyone have a protocol for efficient transporting of patients? We spend alot of time waiting on patients while on call. There must be an easier way?

We always give our patients ASA prior to Cath.

to a catheterization?

I am not a cardiac nurse. My first thought was "no way" but I'm trying to do some research and find out more about the "whys".

Thanks in advance,

Marg :)