Association of position change and back massage and early ambulation with post-transfemoral coronary angiography complications.

INTRODUCTION

Transfemoral coronary angiography (TFCA) may be associated with postoperative complications, such as oozing, bleeding, ecchymosis, hematoma, and back pain. Thus, nursing practice must help enhance patient safety post-TFCA.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the association of position change and back massage (PCBM) and early ambulation (EA) with the development of post-TFCA complications.

METHODS

This study adopted a randomized controlled trial design and was conducted at the coronary care unit of a university hospital in Egypt. A sample of 185 patients undergoing TFCA was evaluated during the first 6 h post-TFCA and randomly assigned to either the PCBM (n = 92) or EA (n = 93) group, with the latter receiving the intervention after the first 3 h post-TFCA. The patients were assessed using the Post-transfemoral Coronary Angiography Complication assessment tool.

RESULTS

Comparing the two groups based on post-TFCA complications, the PCBM group had a lower frequency of bleeding, ecchymosis, hematoma and severe lower back pain whereas the EA group had a lower frequency of oozing, all of which were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

PCBM post-TFCA can lower the frequency of significant vascular complications.

RECOMMENDATION: Adopting PCBM may be valuable in post-TFCA nursing practice.