PRE-OPERATIVE NURSING MANAGEMENT OF CARDIAC SURGICAL PATIENTS

Cardiac surgical patients generally get investigated thoroughly before getting referred to the surgeons. Many of them must have been on medical treatment for some time. ECG, complete blood count, grouping, cross matching, serum electrolytes, glucose, urea, BLW, echocardiography, chest x-ray and cardiac catheterization reports are available with the surgeon before the patient is admitted for surgery. Doctors give a brief explanation about the surgery the patient requires, the risk involved, the cost of the surgery, average length of stay for the patient in the hospital for surgery and the change in lifestyle to be brought about after the surgery. The patients are given enough opportunity to clarify doubts. After all these and if the patient is willing, then the patient is admitted to the ward for surgery. The nurse is the OPD also has a role in helping the patient and family members to get to know the various activities related to his surgery. Generally, the family members are explained the need for blood donation and made to donate 4-6 units of blood before patient's admission.

Patient is admitted two to three days prior to the day of surgery.