The role of the nurse in emergency care for cardiac patients

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiac emergencies in emergency services have become increasingly frequent, requiring professionals trained to act in critical situations with imminent risk to life. Cardiovascular diseases represent the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Brazil and worldwide, constituting a significant public health problem. In this scenario, understanding the role of the nurse in emergency care becomes fundamental to improving the quality of care. Objective: To describe, based on the scientific literature, the role of the nurse in the emergency care of the cardiological patient. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review, with searches in the LILACS, MEDLINE, and SciELO databases. Articles available in full, in Portuguese and English, were included, and duplicate studies, editorials, and opinion articles were excluded. Results: 454 publications were identified, 222 in LILACS, 215 in MEDLINE, and 17 in SciELO. After removing 40 duplicates, 414 studies were screened by title and abstract, of which 398 were excluded. Thus, 16 articles were selected for full-text reading, with 10 excluded, resulting in 6 included studies. The findings showed that nurses play a central role in emergency care for cardiology patients, acting in the early identification of clinical changes, continuous monitoring, and implementation of interventions to stabilize the condition. Functions related to the organization of care were also highlighted, such as team leadership, use of care protocols, and systematization of care. Effective communication, humanized care, and health education proved fundamental for improving clinical outcomes and adherence to treatment. However, weaknesses were identified in the systematization of care, nursing records, and professional training, especially regarding patient safety. Conclusion: Nurses play a fundamental role in emergency care for cardiology patients, acting in an integrated manner in assistance, organization of care, and team management. Their work contributes to the quality and safety of care, as well as to better clinical outcomes. However, there is a clear need to strengthen the systematization of care, professional qualification, and the integration of theory and practice in order to promote safer, more effective, and patient-centered care.