Transvenous Pacemaker

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Specializes in SICU, NICU, CCU, CIC, ICU, MICU.

What kind of policies do some of your hospitals have concerning turning patients with transvenous pacemakers?

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Specializes in ICU/CVICU.

we turn our patient with TVP's per policy q2 hrs, just make sure that their line is secure and locked, watch it close, and you know you dont have to turn them too much, just a little but to shift the weight of the pt, I learned that from our wound/skin nurse. hope it helps, we gotta turn folks lines or not.

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Specializes in Critical Care; ICU; CCU.

We also turn q 2 h. I agree with the previous poster, just make sure the line is secure!

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Specializes in SICU, NICU, CCU, CIC, ICU, MICU.

well yes I'm aware of turning to avoid pressure ulcers and help with breathing, what I was asking about is the pt with the transvenous pacemaker. Some places have restrictions on turning due to the fact the heart can shift and affect the contact point of the pacing lead.

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Specializes in Critical Care; ICU; CCU.
well yes I'm aware of turning to avoid pressure ulcers and help with breathing, what I was asking about is the pt with the transvenous pacemaker. Some places have restrictions on turning due to the fact the heart can shift and affect the contact point of the pacing lead.

The responses were regarding transvenous pacers (TVP) and I have not heard of a hospital policy that states no turning r/t contact point of the pacing lead with them. As the other poster stated, it only has to be a small shift but turning is still recommended. Let me just add this....people poop. :wink2:

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Specializes in CCU.

Our Docs like the pt's supine HOB 30 degrees X4hr. To off load some pressure, we put pillows under the knees. Then we can start to turn q2hr but only shift to the affected side not a full turn. This is for 12hr to allow for wire placement(I thought). Hope this helps.:wink2:

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