Angiography

RLE 3

What is Digital Angiography?

S Is a diagnostic procedure

which produces X-ray pictures of blood vessels.

S The pictures enable the

diagnosis of narrowings, occlusions, abnormal dilatations or abnormal communication of blood vessels.

Nursing Responsibilities / Considerations

Precautions
S This procedure is contraindicated for patients with: o Kidney disease or injury o Blood clotting problems, o Have a known allergy to contrast media, or are

allergic to iodine,
o Pregnant women

Preparation
S Patients undergoing an angiogram are advised to stop eating

and drinking eight hours prior to the procedure. They must remove all jewelry before the procedure and change into a hospital gown. If the arterial puncture is to be made in the armpit or groin area, shaving may be required. A sedative may be administered to relax the patient for the procedure. An IV line will also be inserted into a vein in the patient's arm before the procedure begins in case medication or blood products are required during the angiogram, or in case complications arise.
S Patients should be briefed on the details of the test, the

benefits and risks, and the possible complications involved, and asked to sign an informed consent form.

S Blood tests may be required to check for normal clotting

times.
S Patient should be instructed to void before the procedure.

After Care

S Patient should be kept under close observation for a

period of at six to 12 hours before being released.

S Femoral Artery: leg should be straight and relatively

immobile.
S Pain medication may be prescribed if the patient is

experiencing discomfort from the puncture, and a cold pack is often applied to the site to reduce swelling

S VS (esp. BP and PR) should be monitored and puncture

site observed closely.

S Pain medication may be prescribed if the patient is

experiencing discomfort from the puncture, and a cold pack is often applied to the site to reduce swelling.
S Patients undergoing a fluorescein angiography should

not drive or expose their eyes to direct sunlight for 12 hours following the procedure.

S Patient is required to rest for a few days and avoid

strenuous activities.
S Teach patient the signs to be reported: continued

bleeding or abnormal swelling of the puncture site, sudden dizziness, or chest pain in the days following an angiographic procedure