cough
Procedures
Patient was instructed on personal hygiene. One of the most effective ways to protect ourselves from illness, or infections is a good personal hygiene. This means not only washing the hands but also the body. Hygiene also means being careful not to cough or sneeze on others, cleaning things that touched when ill, putting items such as tissues into a bin.
Instructed patient common post-operative guidelines following minimally invasive heart valve surgery include the following: you will be encouraged to cough and deep breathe. You may be given a spirometer, a device for breathing exercises to keep fluid out of your lung, once all your tubes have been removed, you will be encouraged to shower daily and wash your incision with a mild soap to prevent infection.
Instructed patient when you cough, have a tissue or cloth ready to catch the mucus coming from your tube. Is important to keep the tube free of thick mucus. You should always carry an extra tube with you in case your tube gets plugged.
Instructed patient about some common ways to keep the air you breathe moist are:putting a wet gauze or cloth over the outside of your tube. Keep it moist, ,using a humidifier in your home when the heater is on and the air is dry. A few drops of salt water (saline) will loosen a plug of thick mucus. Put a few drops in your tube and windpipe, then take a deep breath and cough to help bring up the mucus.
Instructed patient call your doctor if you have:fever or chills, redness, swelling, or pain that is getting worse, bleeding or drainage from the hole, cough or shortness of breath, even after you suction your tube, nausea or vomiting, any new or unusual symptoms.