Document Type : Research articles
Authors
1
Demonstrator Critical Care and Emergency Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University
2
Professor Critical Care and Emergency Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University
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Assistant professor Cardiothoracic surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University
4
Lecturer of Critical Care and Emergency Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt Assistant Professor, Medical Surgical Nursing Department, College of Nursing, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al Jouf, Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Background: Open-heart surgery is critical for treating cardiovascular conditions
like coronary artery disease, valve dysfunction, and congenital heart defects, but
postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) remain a significant risk, leading to
increased ICU stays and mortality rates. PPCs include complications such as
atelectasis, pleural effusion, and pneumonia, influenced by preoperative,
intraoperative, and postoperative factors. Objective: To identify factors
contributing to pulmonary complications among postoperative open heart surgery
patients. Settings: This study was carried out in the cardiothoracic intensive care
unit at Alexandria Main University Hospital and Sharq El Madina Hospital, Egypt.
Subjects: A convenience sample of 100 adult post-open heart surgery patients from
both genders and their ages ranged from 18 to 65 years, who were newly admitted
to the previously mentioned CICUs. Tools: Two tools were utilized for data
collection in this study, namely “Perioperative Assessment of Patients Undergoing
Open-Heart Surgery’’ and “Postoperative Pulmonary Complications Assessment”.
Results: The study showed that key preoperative factors were chronic heart failure
and low hemoglobin levels, identifying significant risk factors for postoperative
pulmonary complications (PPCs). Intraoperative risks included prolonged surgery
and higher anesthesia doses. Postoperative challenges involved prolonged
immobility and extended ICU stays. Atelectasis was the most common PPC (84%),
followed by pleural effusions (29%). Conclusion: Age, male gender, comorbidities,
and smoking significantly influence postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs),
with key risk factors including chronic heart failure, high CRP levels, and
prolonged immobility. Recommendations: Critical care nurses should focus on
optimizing preoperative health and ensuring effective postoperative care, including
early mobilization, vigilant infection control, and rehabilitation.
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