Skill: /

Management of a Patient Post Angiogram

Area of Practice: /

Neuroscience Care Induction Skills

Module and Status /

Current Perspectives in Neuroscience NW304

Level: / 3
Author/date of origin: / Mike Blunt – May 2004
Author/date of review:
Time estimate: / 2 hours
Knowledge required related to skill(should know):
  • Ability to discuss reasons for performing cerebral angiogram.
  • Awareness of how procedure is performed (incl basic anatomy and physiology of event).
  • Understanding of complications inherent in performing procedure (risks – physical and chemical).
  • Patient preparation for angiogram.
  • Discusses possible post angio complications with patient so that they can report same to nursing/medical staff (inc haemorrhage, haematoma, headaches; visual disturbances).
  • Knowledge of how to deal with post angio complications (recovery period).
  • Describes how to prepare suitable bed space on ward in readiness for return of patient, post procedure – give rationale for choice.
  • Aware of necessity of re-discussing complications with patient on return to ward post angiogram.
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  • Awareness of need to support junior staff - teaches junior member of staff or student how to care for post angio patient.
  • Discusses suitable monitoring equipment for post angio patient.
  • Critically evaluates and describes post angio care of patient (incl. monitoring and observation of pt. – undertakes GCS scoring).
  • Identifies common pulses (femoral; dorsalis pedis; posterior tibial and anterior tibial).
  • Critically examine which post-procedure problems require immediate nursing and/or medical intervention.
  • Aware of common forms of analgesia used post angio (incl. correct dosage, route and possible side effects / contra-indications for use).
  • Aware of common forms of anti-emetic used post angio (incl. correct dosage, route and possible side effects / contra-indications for use.

Practice descriptor, i.e. can demonstrate skill used stating knowledge base and act appropriately at this level:
  • Recognises patients who may need cerebral angiogram.
  • Aware of procedure – ability to explain same to patient / involve patient in own care planning.
  • Describes nurse’s role pre/during/post awareness of environmental safety during recovery period, i.e. observable bed.
  • Ability to prepare and use emergency equipment at bedside – demonstrates same.
  • Correctly identifies monitoring equipment needed.
  • Gives rationales for neurological/ cardiovascular/respiratory/pulse monitoring.
  • Recognises variation(s) from patient’s own normal limits/unstable dynamic changes – initiates appropriate management of situation.
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  • Maintains patent airway.
  • Manages haemodynamic changes safely – incl. haemorrhage.
  • Describes correct procedure for obtaining neuro-medical assistance.
  • Aware of correct patient positioning post-procedure (incl. time limits for limb movement and mobilisation).
  • Maintain patient’s privacy and dignity.
  • Describes discharge planning and suitable advice for patient on discharge e.g. no lifting, driving or excessive exercise for 24 hrs – no bathing but can shower same day– awareness of regularly checking puncture site for haematoma/haemorrhage (pt. taught re: application of pressure dressing) and how to deal with same i.e. contacting GP / A&E if complications arise post-discharge.