If a loved one needs to be transported by air to a hospital, he or she may be accompanied by an RN travel nurse. The nurse will closely monitor the patient’s condition during the flight and will report any abnormal findings to the medical staff once the patient reaches the hospital destination. If the patient has heart disease, even subtle changes need to be recognized and treated as soon as possible. Here are some ways an RN medical escort can detect cardiovascular abnormalities.
Arrhythmia
During your loved one’s flight, the RN travel nurse will periodically listen to the patient’s heart with a stethoscope. If he or she hears an abnormal rhythm or cardiac arrhythmia, the patient will be given medication to help revert the rhythm back to normal.
If the nurse determines that the arrhythmia is not life-threatening, the flight will proceed to the destination hospital. If, however, the nurse determines that the arrhythmia is serious, the flight will be diverted to the nearest hospital so that the patient can get emergency medical attention.
Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure may be another indication of a cardiovascular problem. When the blood pressure is too low, the body may not get enough oxygen in order to keep the internal organs effectively perfused. This can cause brain and heart damage. Signs of low blood pressure include fainting, dizziness, and weakness. The nurse may administer medication to raise the blood pressure if it gets too low.