Episode Details

One unstable patient, three departments, and every nurse on alert... Let's break down what really happens during a high-risk STEMI. This episode follows the case of a 62-year old patient from ER to the Cath Lab to the ICU. Nurses Sarah Vance and Caitlyn Nichols help us explore the role of nurses in each stage of care, from stabilizing the patient to placing an Impella device.

We cover everything from IV placement and medications to monitoring patients through each phase of care. Learn how to prepare patients for the Cath Lab, manage complications like V-fib and bleeding post-PCI, and support the next team during handoffs. This is a must-listen for nurses involved in cardiac care!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Case presentation of a 62-year old patient
• ER nurse priorities for STEMI patients
• Initial treatment and stabilization
• Why “M.O.N.A.” is an outdated practice
• Preparing the patient for the Cath Lab team
• Cath Lab nurse responsibilities and role during PCI
• High-risk PCI vs. standard PCI
• Managing common complications
• Transitioning from Cath Lab to ICU
• ICU nurse priorities for post-PCI patients
• Impella placement and monitoring
• Managing reperfusion arrhythmias
• Long-term care and getting patients off the Impella
• Patient and family education

Connect with Sarah Vance:

https://www.instagram.com/iseeu_nurse/

Connect with Caitlyn Nichols:

https://www.instagram.com/icunursingnotesbycaitlyn/

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen to the In The Heart of Care Podcast

https://link.cohostpodcasting.com/6598429e-e927-45b0-9b57-7dd34a09d803?d=seASyqjs7