Care of Patient Following Thoracic Surgery

First Things First

• Obtain report of surgical procedure and any intraoperative complications.
• Obtain report of intraoperative arterial blood gases (ABG) on single- & double-lung ventilation, and overall fluid balance (intake & output).
• Review history for pulmonary pathology, preoperative pulmonary function test, cardiac function, other organ dysfunction.
• Set initial mechanical ventilation settings along with minimal sedation, if applicable.
• Obtain a portable CXR and ABG to ascertain device placement and gas exchange, respectively.
• Initiate antibiotic coverage, prophylactic and/or therapeutic.
• Determine postoperative analgesic plan.