The physiological knowledge required by nurses caring for patients with unstable angina.

: Physiological knowledge necessary to critically analyse nursing management of patients with unstable angina is reviewed. The role of endothelium derived relaxing factor, nitrous oxide and atherosclerosis is summarised. The effects of circadian rhythms or clinical signs and symptoms in patients with unstable angina is particularly highlighted. Pharmacological interventions are considered from the perspective of implications for nursing care and other important nursing interventions identified for coronary care nurses.