Page 1678 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

acid.
c. Instruct the client that chest pain may
occur during balloon inflation and to
report it if it does occur.

3. Postprocedure interventions

a. Similar to postprocedure intervention
following cardiac catheterization
b. Administer anticoagulants and
antiplatelets as prescribed to prevent
thrombus formation.
c. IV nitroglycerin may be prescribed to
prevent coronary artery vasospasm.
d. Encourage fluids, if not
contraindicated, to enhance renal
excretion of dye.
e. Instruct the client in the administration
of prescribed medications; daily
acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) may be
prescribed.
f. Assist the client with planning lifestyle
modifications.
B. Laser-assisted angioplasty
1. Description
a. A laser probe is advanced through a
cannula similar to that used for PTCA.
b. Used for clients with small occlusions
in the coronary arteries, also the distal
superficial femoral, proximal popliteal,
and common iliac arteries.
c. Heat from the laser vaporizes the
plaque to open the occluded artery.
2. Preprocedure and postprocedure interventions
a. Care is similar to that for PTCA.
b. Monitor for complications of coronary
dissection, acute occlusion,
perforation, embolism, and MI.
C. Coronary artery stents
1. Description

a. Coronary artery stents are used

with PTCA to provide a supportive
scaffold to eliminate the risk of acute
coronary vessel closure and to improve
long-term patency of the vessel.
b. A balloon catheter bearing the stent is
inserted into the coronary artery and

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