Needs Assessment for Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Abstract

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is a surgical treatment for coronary artery disease. It is a procedure that restores normal blood flow to the heart muscle. The surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body and connects it to the diseased coronary artery on the heart, just past where the blockage is located. This creates a bypass around the diseased artery and creates a new path for oxygen-rich blood to flow to the heart muscle. Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery are considered critical cases who need accurate, compete and highly skilled assessment to identify actual or potential health problems. The assessment is performed in consistent and organized manner, beginning with an overall evaluation of general status and proceeding to a more detailed evaluation of cardiovascular status. Especially, patients needs depend on the assessment of physical, psychological, social, spiritual and learning needs. Accurate assessment for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery is an important nursing function and is a part of the role of health-care professionals delivering rehabilitation. It is essential to acknowledge and incorporate the self – perceived needs of patients into the information they receive. This highlights the importance of