CLINICAL PRACTICE OF NURSING CARE IN ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION: A FRAMEWORK FOR COMPREHENSIVE CARE

Abstract

This article aims to explain and illustrate how to care for patients with acute myocardial infarction based on the rationale and nursing practice evidence underlying the holistic approach. Nurses have been shown to have an essential role in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of acute coronary syndromes. This is because nurses provide care directly to patients and can identify problems early. Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is a type of acute coronary syndrome, which is most frequently (but not always) a manifestation of coronary artery disease. Critical care nursing to manage patent with myocardial infarction requires knowledge of physiology and pathophysiology, pharmacology, and the ability to use advanced technology to measure physiologic parameters. Patients who arrive at the emergency department (ED) with acute chest pain and have electrographic (ECG) abnormalities are most at risk of major complications such as cardiac arrest or cardiogenic shock within the first 24 hours. The major goal of the patient is the relief of signs and symptoms of ischemia, prevention of further coronary damage, absence of respiration difficulties, maintenance of attainment of adequate tissue perfusion by decreasing the heart's workload, reduced anxiety, adherence to the self-care program, and absence or early recognition of complications. To achieve high-quality nursing care and management of acute myocardial infarction, patients must be in accordance with evidence-based nursing practice and nurses' willingness to modify nursing practice when new evidence emerges. The comprehensive care and management framework for a patient with acute myocardial infarction includes a comprehensive nursing assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention, and evaluation process.