CORONARY CARE UNIT

The coronary care unit is a critical care unit that cares for patients with different types of heart disease.  The different types of patients include patients that have acute coronary syndrome,  heart failure, cardiomyopathy,  cardiogenic shock, cardiac dysrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation.                                                      
                                                                                                                      
 

Many patients that have had cardiac catheterization with stents placed are admitted to the coronary care unit.  Care of these patients requires special training.  Also patients that are in cardiogenic shock may have an Intra-aortic Balloon pump.  Again the care of this patient requires special training.

Nurses that work in the coronary care unit must be familiar with many different types of medications that deal with Acute Coronary Syndrome and hart failure.  Some of these medication include nitrates, beta-blockers, and ACE Inhibitors.  These nurses also need to be very familiar of different inotropic medications and other medications that help with cardiac output such as Dobutamine and Milrinone.

Another type of patient is also cared for in the coronary care unit and that is the patient with pulmonary hypertension.  Medications that nurses need to be familiar with when taking care of these patients include Natracor and Flolan.

Patient education is very important in the coronary care unit.  Patients need to be educated regarding smoking cessation, special cardiac diets that are low in fat and sodium, weight control, and exercising.

Working in the Coronary Care Unit can be very challenging and rewarding.