ABSTRACT
Previously administered in cases of acetaminophen toxicity, N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is now also being used in the management of acute myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury. NAC potentiates the beneficial effects of nitrates such as nitroglycerin and reduces oxidative stress on the heart. The critical care nurse plays an important role in optimizing the therapeutic benefits of NAC and minimizing its potential harmful effects.
Subject(s)
Acetylcysteine/therapeutic use , Free Radical Scavengers/therapeutic use , Myocardial Ischemia/drug therapy , Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/drug therapy , Acute Disease , Aged , Critical Care , Drug Monitoring , Humans , Male , Nursing AssessmentABSTRACT
Patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction (IMI), complicated by a more extensive right ventricular infarction (RVI), have an increased risk of both complications and mortality. The critical care nurse plays an important role in 1) the early detection of RVI and 2) the management of the common hemodynamic and conduction disturbances that can typically arise.
