Nursing care of the patient receiving thrombolytic therapy

Care of the patient with MI who receives thrombolytic therapy is an exciting challenge for the emergency nurse. By interrupting the process of cellular ischemia and necrosis, thrombolysis can salvage jeopardized myocardial tissue and lead to better patient outcome. Nursing interventions can help prevent possible complications of thrombolytic therapy, such as bleeding, dysrhythmias, and reocclusion. In addition, careful and continuous patient assessment enables the nurse to detect and manage these complications immediately.