The physician refers the client with unstable angina for a cardiac catheterization. The nurse explains to the client that this procedure is being used in this specific case to:
A. Open and dilate the blocked coronary arteries.
B. Assess the extent of arterial blockage.
C. Bypass obstructed vessels.
D. Assess the functional adequacy of the valves and heart muscle.
Correct Answer: B. Assess the extent of arterial blockage
Cardiac catheterization is done in clients with angina primarily to assess the extent and severity of the coronary artery blockage, A decision about medical management, angioplasty, or coronary artery bypass surgery will be based on the catheterization results. Cardiac catheterization is performed for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Despite significant advancement in non-invasive cardiac imaging, it remains the standard for the measurement of cardiac hemodynamics.
Option A: Angioplasty with or without stenting is a nonsurgical procedure used to open clogged or narrow coronary arteries due to underlying atherosclerosis. The procedure involves introducing an inflatable balloon-tipped catheter through the skin in extremities and inflating the balloon once it traverses the stenosed arterial site. It pushes the atherosclerotic intraluminal plaque against the arterial wall and restores the luminal diameter.
Option C: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a major surgical operation where atheromatous blockages in a patient’s coronary arteries are bypassed with harvested venous or arterial conduits. The bypass restores blood flow to the ischemic myocardium which, in turn, restores function, viability, and relieves anginal symptoms.
Option D: An echocardiogram (echo) is a test that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to make pictures of the heart. The test is also called echocardiography. An echocardiogram looks at the heart’s structure and checks how well the heart functions.
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