What are the duties of a cath lab nurse?
A cardiac cath lab nurse is a Registered Nurse who specializes in assisting with catheterizations. They monitor and examine patients prior to procedures, as well as during and after. They also administer medications and assist the medical team in whatever they may need during the procedure.
Is cath lab nursing considered critical care?
In general, the cardiac catheterization lab is a self-sufficient critical care area. All equipment and drugs are available for complete cardiovascular support and in some labs, even open heart surgery can be performed. Most cath lab nurses are highly skilled at both routine cath patient care as well as critical care.
What do cath lab nurses need to know?
Certifications. In addition to earning an RN degree, cardiac cath lab nurses are expected to earn Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification. While not required, cardiac cath lab nurses are urged to consider obtaining Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification.
What is the role of cath lab?
A cath lab has special imaging equipment used to see the arteries and check how well blood is flowing to and from the heart. This information helps the care team to diagnose and treat blockages and other problems in the arteries.
What type of procedures are done in the cath lab?
A cath lab is where tests and procedures including ablation, angiogram, angioplasty and implantation of pacemakers / ICDs are carried out. Usually you’ll be awake for these procedures. A cath lab is staffed by a team of different specialists, usually led by a cardiologist.
What should the nurse do to prepare for the cardiac catheterization that is scheduled?
How you prepare
- Don’t eat or drink anything for at least six hours before your test, or as directed by your doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you take blood thinners.
- Tell your doctor if you take diabetes medications.
- Take all your medications and supplements with you to the test.
What procedure is done in a cath lab?
What do cardiac nurses do?
They work with patients who have heart problems by following the treatment plan a cardiologist assigns, monitoring patient progress and administering medication to help the healing process. The daily tasks of a cardiac nurse can vary based on the work setting.
What is the full form of Cath?
Class, Architecture, Topology and Homology (protein structure)
What equipment is used in a cath lab?
Equipment. Most catheterization laboratories are “single plane” facilities, those that have a single X-ray generator source and an X-ray image intensifier for fluoroscopic imaging. Older cath labs used cine film to record the information obtained, but since 2000, most new facilities are digital.
What type of dye is used in cardiac catheterization?
The contrast dye typically used during the angiogram procedure contains iodine. Some patients have a minor reaction to the x-ray dye, such as a skin rash or itching. The chance of a life-threatening reaction to the dye is very small.
Which nursing action is most important when caring for a client after a cardiac catheterization?
After the procedure: Monitor vital signs every 15 minutes for one hour, every 30 minutes for the next hour, and every hour thereafter. Assess the peripheral pulses. The radial pulse should be palpable and as strong as it was before the catheterization.
What to expect in a cath lab?
You may have a temporary urinary catheter inserted into your body.
What are the requirements for a cath lab job?
An active RN license
What do cath lab nurses do?
Be able to assist in circulate and scrub cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology procedures
What procedures are done in a cath lab?
Cardiac procedures