Managing patients with acute myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury with N-acetylcysteine.
Previously administered in cases of acetaminophen toxicity, N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is now also being used in the management of acute myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury. NAC potentiates the beneficial effects of nitrates such as nitroglycerin and reduces oxidative stress on the heart. The critical care nurse plays an important role in optimizing the therapeutic benefits of NAC and minimizing its potential harmful effects.
Stewart
S
S
Department of Cardiology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, South Australia.
Ryan
C
C
Poropat
S
S
D000111:Acetylcysteine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D003422:Critical Care; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015428:Myocardial Reperfusion Injury / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009730:Nursing Assessment
D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D000111:Acetylcysteine