5. There are many complications that the nurse must be
aware of including:
Ischemia of the limb
Compartment syndrome of the extremity being used
Dissected aorta
Catheter migration
Bleeding
Balloon rupture
Infection
Skin breakdown
6. Most of these complications are life threatening to the
patient.
The nurse must:
Assess the patient frequently for any of these
complications, at least every 2 hours.
Notify the doctor immediately if any complications are
seen.
Document accurately.
Have a good working Doppler available.
7. Reid, M. B., & Cottrell, D. (2005). Nursing care of
patients receiving: Intra-aortic balloon
counterpulsation. Critical Care Nurse. Retrieved from
http://ccn.aacnjournals.org/content/25/5/40.full