Pump it Up!
This vital sign is the most direct indicator of how well the “pump” is maintaining circulation.
What is Blood pressure
This “sweet” condition occurs when insulin is low and blood glucose is high.
What is hyperglycemia?
CABG patients are taught to hug this when coughing or deep breathing.
What is a heart pillow ?
CABG patients are encouraged to walk early after surgery mainly to prevent this complication
What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
This vital sign should be taken for a full minute in post-cardiac patients due to risk of arrhythmia.
What is apical pulse?
A patient’s heart rate is 48 bpm after CABG. The nurse suspects this drug, used to slow the heart, may be the cause.
What is a beta blocker?
A fruity breath odor and Kussmaul respirations may indicate this diabetic emergency.
What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
A diabetic patient should check this daily to prevent complications.
What are their feet?
his lab value is monitored when a patient is on warfarin therapy.
What is INR?
After CABG, a rising temperature could signal this postoperative complication.
What is infection?
Decreased cardiac output may show as this common post-op symptom — often the first sign something’s wrong.
What is decreased urine output
This long-term lab value measures average blood sugar control over 3 months.
What is hemoglobin A1C?
Don’t lift more than 10 pounds for 6 weeks” helps prevent this type of complication.
What is opening their sternal incision?
The nurse teaches SCD's promote what in a patient?
What is venous return or circulation?
A sudden drop in blood pressure and increase in HR could mean this life-threatening condition.
What is internal bleeding or hypovolemic shock?
The nurse hears muffled heart sounds, sees distended neck veins, and low BP — a deadly “pump problem” known as this is...
what is cardiac tamponade
This complication causes nerve damage, leading to loss of sensation in the feet. (DM)
What is peripheral neuropathy?
When teaching about insulin injections, the nurse reminds the patient to rotate injection sites to prevent?
What is lipohypertrophy (build up of fatty tissue at site)
A sudden onset of chest pain, SOB, and tachycardia may indicate this complication of a DVT.
What is a pulmonary embolism?
A patient’s O₂ sat drops to 88% post-op — what’s your first nursing action?
What is raise the head of the bed and apply oxygen?
What is calculated with HR and stroke volume
A CABG patient on insulin suddenly becomes diaphoretic, shaky, and confused — what’s the first nursing action?
What is give a fast-acting carbohydrate (e.g., orange juice)?
CABG and diabetic patients are both taught this crucial lifestyle habit to improve long-term outcomes
What is smoking cessation?
A post-CABG patient suddenly reports calf pain, warmth, and swelling in one leg. What is the priority nursing action?
What is assess for further DVT signs and notify the provider
If the patient’s respiratory rate is 8/min after morphine, what’s the priority intervention?
What is administer naloxone (Narcan)?