Right ventricular myocardial infarction

Right ventricular myocardial infarction (RVMI) is recognized as an important clinical entity. The clinical course of patients with RVMI may be benign, or it may progress to profound hypotension and cardiogenic shock. The medical and nursing management of these patients differs significantly from that of patients with left ventricular infarction. The nurse must be familiar with the clinical signs and medical treatment of RVMI to facilitate early diagnosis and to plan appropriate acute and long-term nursing management of these patients.