Post-Cath Patient Calls
Follow up after cardiac catheterization — access-site and recovery red flags, meds, and activity.
Learning Objectives
- 1.Conduct a structured post-cath follow-up call.
- 2.Recognize access-site and ischemic complications.
- 3.Reinforce medications and activity restrictions.
Purpose
After a cath (especially with a stent), the access site and antiplatelet adherence are the safety priorities. A structured call catches complications and prevents stent problems.
What to ask
- •Access site (wrist/groin): bleeding, swelling, growing lump, severe pain, numbness, color/temperature change?
- •Chest pain since the procedure?
- •Taking antiplatelet/aspirin exactly as prescribed (if stented)?
- •Fever or site infection signs?
- •Following activity/lifting restrictions?
Red flags
- •Active/expanding bleeding or a growing, painful lump at the site.
- •Cold, pale, numb, painful limb below the site (ischemia).
- •Recurrent chest pain (possible stent thrombosis).
- •Stopped antiplatelet therapy after a stent.
Escalate
Active bleeding/expanding mass, limb ischemia, or recurrent chest pain → 911/ED and notify provider. Stopped antiplatelet after a stent → urgent provider contact.
Meds/activity that matter
- •Dual antiplatelet therapy after stenting is critical — never advise stopping without the provider.
- •Typical short-term lifting/activity restrictions; confirm per discharge instructions.
What to send the provider
- •Site status, chest pain, antiplatelet adherence, fever, your advice/escalation.
Patient education script
- •"If the site bleeds, lie down and press firmly; if it won’t stop or a lump grows, call 911."
- •"Don’t stop your antiplatelet/aspirin after a stent without calling us — it keeps the stent open."
Spanish phrase
Do not stop your antiplatelet medicine after a stent without calling us.
No deje de tomar su medicamento antiplaquetario después de un stent sin llamarnos.
noh DEH-heh deh toh-MAR soo meh-dee-kah-MEN-toh an-tee-plah-keh-TAH-ryoh des-PWES deh oon estent seen yah-MAR-nos
Mini case
A patient stented 3 days ago calls with recurrent chest pain similar to before the procedure.
What now?
Show answer
Recurrent chest pain after stenting can signal stent thrombosis — an emergency. Direct to 911/ED, notify the provider, and confirm antiplatelet adherence. Don’t treat as routine soreness.
Checklist
- Assessed access site and limb perfusion.
- Screened for recurrent chest pain.
- Confirmed antiplatelet adherence and restrictions.
- Escalated red flags.