Care of sudden cardiac death survivors: the aberrant cardiac patients.
Caring for survivors of sudden cardiac death presents nursing with a challenge. Although many of these individuals' needs are similar to those of other patients with cardiac disease, some are different. This article investigates the role of the nurse in providing care for these unique clients. To increase the nurse's understanding, sudden cardiac death is defined, its pathophysiology described, and the current medical management detailed. The unique nursing care needs of these individuals are outlined and suggestions for nursing interventions are presented. By providing comprehensive physical and emotional support to these individuals, recovery and return to a high-quality life will be facilitated.
Featherston
R G
RG
Baptist Memorial Hospital, Memphis, TN 38146.
D003645:Death, Sudden; D006321:Heart / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D009732:Nursing Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012151:Resuscitation; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy