Recovery in Intensive Care
Most patients stay in Intensive Care for about 24 hours.
• Support stockings called TED hose are worn to decrease the chance of
developing blood clots.
• You will be given clear liquids, and your diet will be increased as you are able
to tolerate food.
• To decrease the chance of pneumonia, your nurse will help you to turn, remind
you to use the incentive spirometer, and help you to cough and deep-breathe
every 2 hours.
• You will be up in a chair at least once the day of surgery, and most of the tubes
will be removed before you transfer out of intensive care.
• Your family will have limited visiting time, so it is best to check with the nurses
ahead of time.
Recovery in Progressive Care
The average stay in Progressive Care is 3 to 5 days. It is important to know:
• Your heart rate and rhythm will still be monitored.
• At times, the staff will place a pulse oximeter on your finger to check the
oxygen level in your blood.
• Your diet will be advanced as you are able to eat food.
• Your activity level will be increased and carefully checked by nursing staff and
physical therapy.
• Incisions are cleaned daily and left open to the air unless drainage is noted.
• To help reduce the risk of complications, you must continue doing breathing
exercises with the incentive spirometer and cough and deep-breathe every 2
hours.
• You must splint your chest as instructed.
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