Nurse Key

Complications: Extended Recovery Period Complications of cardiac surgery may occur at many points along the path to recovery. This chapter is a continuation of Chapter 10 and deals with complications…

Complications: Initial Postoperative Period Advances in surgical techniques and anesthetic agents ­allow many patients to recover quickly and move from the intensive care unit (ICU) in shorter periods of time….

The First Few Hours: Initial Recovery The first few hours of recovery after cardiac surgery are critical and require skilled nursing care and attention. Patients are usually transferred to the…

Extended Recovery Timelines There is increasing pressure to send patients home as soon as possible after cardiac surgery. Most institutions have specific timelines or collaborative pathways that uncomplicated patients are…

Stroke Patients undergoing cardiac surgery are at higher risk for stroke than the general population. Stroke increases morbidity and mortality of patients before and after surgery. In addition, diagnostic and…

Preparing a Patient for Cardiac Surgery The urgency of cardiac surgery determines how much time is available to prepare the patient. Patients preparing for elective surgery have the most time…

Cardiac Rehabilitation Recovery from cardiac surgery is not over when a patient is discharged from the hospital. Most patients have a long recovery ahead of them. Many institutions have cardiac…

Diagnostic Tests Diagnostic testing can determine the type and extent of heart disease and guide treatment strategies. Since complications can occur with most diagnostic tests, the least invasive test is…

Transition to Intermediate Care Once patients have initially recovered from cardiac surgery in the intensive care unit (ICU), they are usually transferred to an acute care or step-down unit until…

Discharge Discharge is an important part of a patient’s hospital stay. Arrangements made for care at home and information relayed to patients and families can make the difference between a…