title: Managing patients with acute myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury with N-acetylcysteine.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, South Australia.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Poropat
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D000111:Acetylcysteine