Permanent pacemakers: the nurse's role in patient education and follow-up care.

Educating cardiac patients in how to lead an active life after a permanent pacemaker implant presents many challenges for nurses involved in their care. Suitable educational material delivered during both the inpatient and the outpatient phases of care can foster a positive attitude and independence in these patients. Nurses are becoming increasingly independent in their management of the follow-up care of these patients. Guidelines for the assessment of pacemaker function, detection of malfunction, and reprogramming techniques are provided.