We had patient in the cath lab holding area go into flash pulmonary edema and respiratory distress. The patient had received a large amount of dye and fluid during his procedure. The patient also was in very poor health prior to his intervention.

He was in the cath lab holding area for only minutes before he became unstable. He was severely short of breath and restless. Patients under these circumstances are a challenge since they decompensate so rapidly, and it becomes very difficult to direct them.

Using their assessment skills, they quickly identified the situation and were able to get the appropriate help. A rapid response was called; however, the nurses had already begun to deliver interventions for the patient with the direction of our nurse practitioner.

The patient required 1-2 nurses at the bedside throughout the time he was in the holding area. When he finally got a bed, he required immediate intubation. The nurses used their years of experience to avoid a respiratory arrest and a worse patient outcome.

The cath lab procedural staff also stepped into action recently. We had a patient experiencing a heart attack that needed a complex intervention. The plan was for an atherectomy, which is a high-risk procedure to shave down calcium in the vessel and then place a stent. Unfortunately, the procedure did not go as easily as hoped and the patient experienced a perforation of the LAD, a main coronary artery. This is a life-threatening event and requires immediate action. The team in the room quickly obtained additional supplies and provided urgent ACLS driven care to the patient. The rest of the staff immediately came into the room and jumped in to help. It was an “all hands-on deck” moment.

There was an ECMO circuit set up for this patient, ready for the worst-case scenario, but thanks to the quick action of the entire team, and physician, this was not needed. A group that worked quickly and competently to help provide simultaneous pericardiocentesis, auto transfusion, and stenting saved this patient.

The cath lab staff always lives the core values of trust, working together, and being patient first. They trust each other’s knowledge and expertise. They each know their role in every situation, but this really comes to light when the situation is critical. Every member of the procedural area came to the bedside to help. The physician was very thankful for the lab’s quick response and expert care.

The following came from Dr. Adnon Khalif, the procedural physician:

“But a few words…tough to do for how well the team performed.”

“Briefly, I’d like to thank the Forbes cath lab team for their heroic measures that allowed us to help take care of a very sick patient in a very difficult situation. Their ability to act fast and remain calm while emergency resuscitative efforts were ongoing was paramount to improving our patients’ survival.”

Even though this is their “job,” it is very gratifying to see this happen without question or complaint. They all step up every day to work together for the best patient outcomes, safety, and satisfaction. The holding area is an amazing team of nurses who pull together in a crisis and give excellent and high-level nursing care each and every day!