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.

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Last updated: April 13, 2010