Judy Williamson

A: Judy Williamson, RN, a McLeod Cardiac Cath Lab Nurse, responds, "After an EP study one can expect to be on bed rest for six to eight hours with one or both legs and sometimes the left arm immobilized.The catheter sites may be dressed with a bandaid or an elastoplast dressing and will be monitored frequently by nurses along with vital signs for several hours following the procedure and at least once a shift until discharge from the hospital.Drowsiness can be expected for a while due to sedatives received during the procedure and patients are able to eat as soon as they are fully awake.An IV access site (saline lock) will be left in and patients may have oxygen for a short period of time, although the IV will be required until discharge.Most patients will be kept overnight on a telemetry floor where the heart's rate and rhythm can be monitored, although some patients with negative studies may go home the same day provided the patient is stable."

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Judy Williamson, a registered nurse on call in case of emergencies, was in charge of distributing medication. (Kevin Lilly/Pharos-Tribune) None/ (Click for larger image)