One of the newest treatments for acute myocardial infarctions is streptokinase therapy—in particular, the use of intracoronary streptokinase—to reduce clots in the coronary arteries and permit reperfusion of ischemic myocardium. This article and the one that follows explore the role of the critical care nurse in these cases. In this one, the author tells you what you'll need to know to provide post-treatment care of these patients in the intensive care unit or coronary care unit.