NURSING CARE FOR THE PERSON WITH ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a cardiovascular condition in which early identification and intervention reduce complications and mortality. This study aimed to synthesize scientific evidence regarding nursing interventions in the hospital care of adult patients with ACS, focusing on early identification, reduced response times, complication prevention, and quality of care. This is an integrative literature review with a qualitative approach, structured using the PICO strategy. Searches were conducted in the Virtual Health Library (VHL) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) databases, covering full-text studies published in Portuguese and English between 2021 and 2026. Forty-eight records were identified, and 15 studies were included after applying selection criteria. Findings revealed a predominance of male patients and risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia. Nursing practice proved essential in triage, assessment of signs and symptoms, performance and monitoring of electrocardiograms, establishment of venous access, sample collection, documentation of interventions, and health education. Protocols and risk scores—such as TIMI, HEART, and GRACE—contributed to standardization and risk stratification. Qualified, protocol-based nursing care fosters early identification, patient safety, and quality of care.