Your patient is having chest pain. What do you do next? Caring for this type of patient can be very scary. Trust us, we have been right where you are and we know the intimidation you might feel. Nursing assessment and care is a crucial piece of the overall puzzle that will determine the outcome of the patient. This book guides you through caring for patients having a heart attack, cardiac cath, and bypass. You will learn about the anatomy of the heart, how to assess a patient having chest pain, and what orders to expect. You will read in depth about caring for cath and bypass patients pre- and post-operatively along with detailed explanations of each procedure. This easy to read guide is for anyone new to caring for cardiac patients in the hospital setting. We have used our own nursing and teaching experience to help explain how to assess, treat, and prevent complications. Our hope is that you feel more confident while caring for and educating this patient population. Table of Contents Chapter 1: Anatomy and Physiology The Coronary Arteries The Anatomy of the Heart The Electricity of the Heart Cardiac Rhythms Chapter 2: Assessment Risk Factors Symptoms of a Heart Attack Assessment EKG Cardiac Enzymes Chapter 3: Initial Treatment Your patient has developed chest pain. What do you do next? The Next Phase of the Intervention Fibrinolytics Chapter 4: Cardiac Cath Precath Care and Orders The Procedure Postcath Care and Orders Femoral Approach Bedrest Sheath Care Sheath Removal Complications Radial Approach Postcath Orders Chapter 5: Non-STEMI and Unstable Angina Orders Chapter 6: Bypass Preoperative Care and Orders The Surgery Postoperative Care and Orders Complications Chapter 7: Case Studies Case Study 1, 2, 3,