Electrophysiology Study, Caring for Yourself After HF#5860

 

You had an electrophysiology study on _________________ through the

 

RIGHT   /   LEFT     FEMORAL  ARTERY          RIGHT   /   LEFT    FEMORAL  VEIN

 

RIGHT JUGULAR

 

Going Home on the day of the study

 

• Have someone drive you home.  You should not drive at all today.
• Rest quietly for the remainder of the day.

 

Care of the Incision

 

• You may shower 24 hours after the study.  Remove the Band-Aid over the site before taking a shower.
• Gently clean the site with soap and water.  Pat it dry.  Leave the site open to the air.  Do this for three days.
• Keep the site dry.

 

Activities for the Next 5 Days

 

• Do not lift more than 10 pounds.
• Do not strain.
• No vigorous activity.
• Do not sit in a bathtub, hot tub, or go into a swimming pool.

 

What to Expect

 

• Soreness or tenderness at the site.  This may last for one week.
• Small amount of bloody drainage at the site.
• There may be a bruise at the site.  This could take 2-3 weeks to go away.
• A small lump (dime to quarter size) may form at the site.  This could last up to 6 weeks.

 

What to Do for Minor Pain

 

• You may take either Tylenol® 325mg tablets every 4-6 hours OR Motrin®/Ibuprofen 200 mg every 6-8 hours.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Infection

 

• Redness, swelling or drainage at the site
• Prolonged pain
• Fever over 101.0 °F for two readings taken 4 hours apart

 

When and Who to Call

 

Call 911 for emergency help:

 

• If bleeding or sudden swelling should occur at the site.  Apply direct pressure to the site and call for help.  Continue to hold pressure until you get help.
• If your leg becomes numb, cold, or turns blue or you have severe pain.

 

Call the doctor right away if:

 

• You have any signs of infection.
• You have severe pain.
• You have chest pain or increased shortness of breath.

 

Return to work

 

You may return to work on __________________________________.

 

Medicines

 

Keep taking your present medicines as prescribed.  Tell your doctor of any side effects.  Do not stop taking a drug without being told to by your doctor.

 

Please make these additions or changes to your present medicines

 

______________________________________________________________

 

______________________________________________________________

 

 

Other instructions and follow-up plans

 

 

______________________________________________________________

 

______________________________________________________________

 

Phone Numbers

 

UW Cardiovascular Medicine: (608) 263-1530. 

After hours, nights, weekends, and holidays, the paging operator will answer this number.  Ask for the cardiac doctor on call.  Leave your name and phone number with the area code.  The doctor will call you back.

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 05/08/2007

Copyright © 11/02/2006 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#5860

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