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RECOVERY PHASE |
Assessment
and/or
Monitoring |
Your surgeon, as well as members of the health care team, will keep you updated on your progress during the recovery phase. |
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| Teaching |
The SICU/CSICU is a busy area with many monitor alarms sounding. You and your family will be taught about postop care (Diet, Medications, Incision Care, and Activity) by our health care team as well as with written materials provided. The cardiac support group meets weekly, all are welcome. Check for time with your nurse. Please watch Educational Channel 3. (See page 4 and refer to supplemental booklets given to you.)
Your family will be called by the Cardiovascular Nurse Specialist Group daily while in the SICU and CSICU. You may visit the SICU/CSICU during scheduled visiting hours.
Your surgeon as well as members of the health care team will keep you updated on progress during the recovery phase. |
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| Labwork |
After your surgery routine blood tests, chest x-rays and EKG's will be done as needed. |
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| Medications |
Immediately following your surgery, you will receive most of your medication and fluids intravenously. After the breathing tube is removed, medications by mouth will be resumed. |
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| Activity |
Immediately following surgery, bedrest is maintained. After the breathing tube and other monitoring devices are removed you will be assisted out of bed. Your activity will increase daily to include walking and light exercise guided by your physical therapist. Your physical therapist will review the activity program with you and your family. |
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| Diet and Nutrition |
After the breathing tube is removed you will be given a liquid diet and gradually increased to solid foods. A low-fat, low-cholesterol, low-salt and low caffeine diet will be prescribed. (If you have specific diet regimens, your diet will be adjusted accordingly.)
Your intake and output will be monitored closely. Bowel function may take several days to return to normal. |
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| Treatments |
During surgery, chest tubes, intravenous catheters, and a urinary catheter are inserted. You will also have a "breathing tube" inserted until you no longer need the ventilator ("breathing machine"). You will not be able to speak until the breathing tube is removed.
These monitoring devices allow your health care team to monitor your heart rhythm, blood pressure and oxygen levels. Most of the tubes and monitoring "IV's" will be removed within a few days after surgery.
Following removal of the breathing tube, your Nurse and Physical Therapist will instruct you on breathing exercises. It is important to continue these exercises 10 times each hour while you are awake.
In addition chest physiotherapy (exercises for your lungs) will be performed by your health care team. Other important postoperative treatments include: daily weights, routine wound care to your incisions, ace bandages or support stockings (TEDS) during the day to reduce leg swelling. |
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| Preparation for Going Home |
You will be taught how to care for yourself at home. If it is determined you will need more help at home a social worker or case manager will be asked to provide assistance.
Prior to your surgery, the health care team encourages you to make arrangements to have friends or family help you at home with chores such as food shopping and cleaning during the first few weeks of recuperation. |
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