The nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). What is the major indicator of success for this procedure?
A) Increase in the size of the artery's lumen
B) Decrease in arterial blood flow in relation to venous flow
C) Increase in the patient's resting heart rate
D) Increase in the patient's level of consciousness (LOC)
Ans: A
Feedback:
PTCA is used to open blocked coronary vessels and resolve ischemia. The procedure may result in beneficial changes to the patient's LOC or heart rate, but these are not the overarching goals of PTCA. Increased arterial flow is the focus of the procedures.
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