Thrombolytic therapy for treatment of acute peripheral arterial occlusion

Thrombolytic therapy is becoming a more widely utilized treatment modality for treatment of acute peripheral arterial occlusions. Nurses, therefore, need to be knowledgeable of the patient care management issues that surround thrombolytic therapy. This article, through a case study approach, defines the mechanism of action of thrombolytic agents, side effects, and key patient management issues. Nursing interventions focus on potential for fluid volume deficit related to alteration in hemostasis mechanisms/clot dissolution and potential alteration in tissue perfusion, peripheral/cerebral, related to thrombosis/embolus/clot dissolution.