gtn

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Hi everyone...im new to ccu.it was my first day today. I just want to know, when someone complaines of chest pain do you do an ecg before giving gtn or give gtn first? Also if a patient has ongoing chest pain how often do you carry out a 12 lead ecg?

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Specializes in Intensive Care Unit.
Hi everyone...im new to ccu.it was my first day today. I just want to know when someone complaines of chest pain do you do an ecg before giving gtn or give gtn first? Also if a patient has ongoing chest pain how often do you carry out a 12 lead ecg?[/quote']

Does gtn mean nitro? Always get EKG first and be on standby with nitro. If the patient is having a right sided MI nitro can further deplete the preload. If the chest pain changes id get another ekg, or i see changes on the monitor, but the pt would maybe need a trip to the cath lab if they had no relief :eek:

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.
Does gtn mean nitro? Always get EKG first and be on standby with nitro. If the patient is having a right sided MI nitro can further deplete the preload. If the chest pain changes id get another ekg, or i see changes on the monitor, but the pt would maybe need a trip to the cath lab if they had no relief :eek:

Patient's having a right sided MI will really look sick...like they're in shock. These patients are preload-dependent, so preload reduces such as nitro are contraindicated. Also with a TRUE right sided MI, the lungs will sound clear to auscultation.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Welcome to AN! The largest online nursing community!

Do you have a preceptor? Are you receiving any critical care courses? Depending on policy, patient and MD the EKG is usually taken first to discern if there is myocardial ischemia. How often these are done are highly dependent on the situation and patient. Nitroglycerin is NTG.

You will find this site helpful......icufaqs.org

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