Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Focus on Infused Prostacyclins.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by vasoconstriction and cell proliferation in the pulmonary vasculature. Guideline-driven interventions with infused prostacyclin treatment are the mainstay for patients with advanced symptoms. Infused prostacyclin therapy is complex. It is critical to manage prostacyclin therapy with precision because boluses or interruptions can be fatal. Education of patients and inpatient staff nurses is necessary to prevent negative outcomes. Nurses are an essential part of the multidisciplinary team caring for patients with PAH. The diagnostic evaluation and treatment of PAH are reviewed here, and challenges associated with the care of patients on prostacyclin therapy are discussed.
Heart and Vascular Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa. Traci Stewart, MSN, RN, CHFN, is a nurse clinician specialist in the Heart and Vascular Center of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.
Traci
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D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D007260:Infusion Pumps; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D044062:Prostaglandins I / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D044062:Prostaglandins I