Cardiac Care on Admission (First two hours)

1. ECG is monitored by more than one lead (three to five). Left atrial pressure, arterial BP, central venous pressure, respiration rate, heart rate, body temperature and pulse oxymetry is monitored continuously. Observation for any life threatening dysrhythmia constantly done.
2. Most of the patients will have epicardial pacing leads from O.T. If there is need, the pacing wires are connected 
3. to the external pacemaker and pacing as per the need is done. 
4. Serum sodium and potassium is tested as soon as receiving the patient to ICU, then every two hourly for 12 hours and then Q4H to Q6H.
5. Hypokalemia and hyperkalemia both can cause dysrhythmia. Keep defibrillator ready to use at the bed side. 
6. Administer the prescribed drugs-Many a time, the patients are put on vasodilators such as sodium nitroprusside or nitroglycerine or sometimes on dopamine or dobutamine IV infusion as need basis.