Nurse-led preoperative screening and targeted optimization of pulmonary dysfunction in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Sivalingam, Sivakumar; Rathinam, Sridhar; Ajis, Adam; Satur, Christopher M R · Ann Thorac Surg · 2007

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Abstract

Postoperative pulmonary dysfunction prolonging intensive care treatment after cardiac surgery most commonly occurs in patients with a background of pre-existing pulmonary dysfunction. However, many patients have occult dysfunction and present primarily after surgery. We describe and discuss the results of a respiratory optimization program utilizing a peak expiratory flow rate below 400 L/min as a screening test to identify patients in a nurse-directed preoperative clinic.

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