Quality-assurance monitoring in thrombolytic therapy

Use of thrombolytic agents for patients within the first 6 hours of AMI has become a standard approach to care. With this standard approach the nurse is charged with the task of not only skillfully administering this therapy, but also with monitoring its safe, effective, and appropriate use. The presence of well-established standards for thrombolytic therapy serve a twofold purpose: that of promoting continuity and consistency of care. The QA process evolves out of these set standards. It seeks to determine compliance to standards and to identify existing problems. One of the most effective approaches to this process is a unit-based approach. This type of approach enhances clinical competence and increases professional accountability. Finally, the QA process is a systematic means by which identified problems are addressed and reevaluated. In so doing, quality in the use of thrombolytic therapy may be maintained.