Treatment and care
Treatment is aimed at restoring the
balance between the oxygen supply and
demand, to prevent further damage
and death to cardiac muscle. Pain
relief is required and the HCA and AP
should, working with other members
of the multidisciplinary team, aim to
prevent and treat any complications,
communicating at all times with the
patient and, if appropriate, the family.
Treatment can take place in a number
of environments—the setting where the
infarction occurred, in the accident and
emergency department, the cardiac care
unit and on the hospital ward.
The person should be encouraged
to rest. This can help to reduce the
workload on an already compromised
heart, with the aim of reducing further
deterioration in the person’s condition.
An immediate intravenous infusion
containing thrombolytic drugs may
be given to help to break up thrombus
formation. These drugs should be
given quickly and as soon as possible
after the incident has occurred. Other
drugs that will help to prevent new clot
formation, for example, heparin, should
also be given (Lazenby, 2011). Coronary
angioplasty (an invasive intervention)
can be performed, with the aim of
opening up the coronary arteries (see
Figure 6).
In order to improve coronary blood
flow, nitrates may be given. Diuretics can
encourage blood flow and to preserve
kidney function. Inotropic agents help to
enhance cardiac contractility.
Oxygen therapy will be required,
reducing the demands being made by the
heart. Oxygen is a drug and as such the
correct percentage should be given; this
is usually administered via a facemask.
The administration of analgesia