Before Open Heart Surgery Day of Open Heart Surgery Discharge/Rehabilitation Phase: Open Heart Surgery Post-Operative Recovery Phase Restrictions after Open Heart Surgery

Discharge/rehabilitation phase: Open-heart surgery

Tests/Unit

  • Stay on 8 NW until you are ready to go home.

  • Discharge home is usually three to five days after surgery.

  • Everyone is different and therefore the time frame for you is adjusted to how well you are recovering.

Treatments/Special Equipment

  • Staff will monitor your heart rate and rhythm at all times until you are discharged home.

  • If you cannot maintain a blood oxygen level above 90% at all times, you may require oxygen at home until you improve.

  • The Respiratory Therapist will arrange for oxygen at home if necessary.

Medications/Pain Control

  • You will be given a prescription for pain medication. Call your surgeon’s office for refill.

  • A baby aspirin is to be taken daily to help keep your new by-pass grafts open for good blood flow to the heart muscle.

  • Review your list of medication with your nurse when you are discharged.

  • Ask questions if the medications are different than what you have at home.

  • Make sure you have prescriptions for new medication.

Breathing Exercises

  • The IS will go home with you.

  • Continue using this device every 1-2 hours at home for the next 3 to 4 weeks.

Activity

  • A therapist will walk with you twice a day and monitor your blood pressure and pulse before and after.

  • Walk alone if you are steady on your feet or with a family member during other times in order for you to get stronger more quickly.

  • Do not let anyone pull your arms to help you out of bed or up from a chair.

Diet

  • Remain on the Cardiac diet.

  • Keep fluid intake to about 2 liters (quarts) daily.

  • Do not add salt to food, eat processed foods, or food high in sodium (processed cheese/ lunch meats, ham, bacon). Sodium (salt) leads to retention of fluid in the body tissue.

  • Eating several small meals a day is recommended.

  • Focus on eating foods high in protein, to promote healing.

Teaching

  • Open Heart Surgery booklet provided.

  • You and your significant other should read all of this information.

  • Ask questions you may have about what to expect after leaving the hospital.

Discharge Planning

  • Most patients are referred to a Home Nursing Agency before they leave the hospital.
  • The Home Nurse will visit you the day after discharge to monitor:
    • Temperature, Pulse, Blood Pressure, Weight
    • Heart rhythm (EKG)
    • Lung sounds and blood oxygen level
    • Incisions and healing
    • Your medications and effects they have on you
    • Draw blood tests if needed
    • Your general recovery from surgery