ABSTRACT
Increasing numbers of patients are now being referred to Interventional Radiology (IR) because of its advantages over traditional surgical options, and therefore require subtle differences in their preparation prior to their procedure due to the differences in minimally invasive techniques. This chapter focuses on the essential aspects of patient care in IR, including preoperative preparations, intraoperative considerations, and postoperative care. Patient preparation involves thorough blood testing to assess risks and provide baselines for intervention, along with comprehensive imaging to evaluate the procedure’s feasibility. Pre-procedural medication management is crucial, considering the impact of medications on bleeding risks and infection prevention. Consent procedures have evolved to a two-step approach for patient safety. Intraoperatively, vital signs are closely monitored, especially during procedures that may pose risks to blood vessels or stimulate vagal responses. Postoperatively, monitoring vital signs and utilizing scoring charts for early detection of complications is essential. Specific care is required for IR-related puncture sites and indwelling lines, necessitating attentive nursing care and recognition of potential complications. Understanding these unique c
onsiderations is crucial for healthcare professionals to provide optimal patient care in the growing field of IR.
