Caring for the intra-aortic balloon pump patient. Most frequently asked nursing questions

IAB counterpulsation poses specific nursing issues and challenges. The patient's arterial pressure reference points are expanded to five components as opposed to the usual systole and diastole. It is, therefore, crucial that procedures be developed that address issues such as computation of mean arterial pressure and documentation and titration of drips through the use of the 5 waveform components of the IABP patient. Peripheral vascular assessment is most important because of the potential for compromised flow. The ankle/arm index can be used as an objective measurement to quantify perfusion. Balloon inflation during diastole normally generates the highest pressure point in the counterpulsation cycle. Various factors can lower the magnitude of augmentation, and these need to be included in troubleshooting assessments.