Post-procedure Calls
Check on patients after cardiac procedures — access-site and recovery red flags, and what to escalate.
Learning Objectives
- 1.Conduct a structured post-procedure follow-up call.
- 2.Recognize access-site and recovery complications.
- 3.Escalate post-procedure red flags urgently.
Purpose
The hours-to-days after a cardiac procedure are when complications show up — bleeding, access-site problems, or recurrent symptoms. A structured call catches them early.
What to ask
- •Access site (groin/wrist): bleeding, swelling, a growing lump, severe pain, numbness, color/temperature change?
- •Chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations since the procedure?
- •Fever or signs of infection at the site?
- •Did they restart/hold medications as instructed?
- •Following activity restrictions?
Red flags
- •Active or expanding bleeding, or a rapidly growing lump at the access site (hematoma/pseudoaneurysm).
- •Cold, pale, numb, or painful limb below the site (limb ischemia).
- •Recurrent chest pain or shortness of breath.
- •Fever, spreading redness, or drainage.
Escalate
Active bleeding, an expanding access-site mass, a cold/painful limb, or recurrent chest pain are emergencies — apply pressure for bleeding, direct to 911/ED, and notify the provider.
What to document & send the provider
- •Site status, symptoms, vitals if available.
- •Medication restart/hold status.
- •Advice given and escalation/plan.
Patient education script
- •"If the site starts bleeding, lie down and press firmly on it. If it doesn’t stop or there’s a growing lump, call 911."
- •"Call us for chest pain, fever, or a cold/numb arm or leg."
Spanish phrase
If the site bleeds, press firmly and call us; if it does not stop, call 911.
Si el sitio sangra, presione firmemente y llámenos; si no para, llame al 911.
see el SEE-tyoh SAN-grah, preh-SYOH-neh feer-meh-MEN-teh ee YAH-meh-nos; see noh PAH-rah, YAH-meh al noo-EH-veh OO-noh OO-noh
Mini case
A post-cath patient (groin access) reports a golf-ball-sized lump at the site that’s getting bigger and very painful.
What now?
Show answer
An expanding, painful groin mass after femoral access suggests a hematoma or pseudoaneurysm — escalate emergently (hold pressure, 911/ED, notify provider). Don’t treat it as routine soreness.
Checklist
- Assessed access site for bleeding/expanding mass.
- Screened for chest pain, dyspnea, limb ischemia, infection.
- Confirmed med restart/hold and activity restrictions.
- Escalated red flags and documented.