Post CABG Recovery: Nursing Care and Management

1. Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

An overview of coronary bypass graft surgery will be presented. This will include reasons for the procedure, the common surgical approach, and post-surgical expectations. A good understanding of what the patient undergoes during coronary artery bypass graft surgery will assist nurses in providing progressive rehabilitation care.

2. Patient Concerns After Surgery

Patients who undergo coronary bypass graft surgery will have psychological concerns, such as fear, depression, anxiety, or stress. These concerns will be discussed along with pain management strategies. Patients who can manage psychological distress and pain can improve their postsurgical outcomes. Educating health care providers to identify these basic concerns early on can improve the patient’s road to recovery.

3. Wound Management After Surgery

Coronary artery bypass graft surgical sites potentially can include the sternum, between the ribs, and/or the graft harvest sites. These surgical sites must be identified and managed by health care providers in order to prevent complications. Common wound site cleansing techniques, modifications to dressing the patient, and warning signs of infection are discussed to promote good patient outcomes.

4. Activities to Recovery

This chapter presents physical activities or exercises to improve postsurgical mobility. A health care provider with a good understanding of appropriate postsurgical physical activities and how to manage physical challenges can expedite the patient’s recovery.

5. Follow-Up Care

Patients who have had coronary artery bypass graft surgery must be educated on how to preserve and improve their health. Healthy lifestyle options will be discussed, including diet, smoking, medications, and regular cardiology appointments. Patients are encouraged to return to their normal presurgery level of activity, including returning to work, driving, and sexual activities. These topics will be discussed to educate the health care professional in guiding the cardiac patient to an optimal level of health.