Nursing is also important for children undergoing heart surgery

Children's physical constitution is relatively weak, especially after they develop heart disease, they usually need surgery. Surgery is extremely harmful to children's bodies. Therefore, after the operation, parents must provide relevant care. The hospital can help the baby recover faster. The following will introduce to you how to care for children after heart surgery.

1. Diet: Mainly high-protein, high-nutrition, easily digestible diet. For special diets, such as skim or low-fat diets for chylothorax, the doctors and nurses in charge will have specific requirements. For children with mild symptoms, there is no strict restriction on water intake after surgery. However, the intake should be appropriately controlled for children with complex congenital heart disease or heart failure, and the attending physician will adjust the intake and output according to the baby's condition. The 24-hour intake and output should be recorded after surgery, generally starting from 6 a.m. as a recording period. Intake mainly includes infusion, 2. oral medication, water, beverages, milk, porridge, soup, fruit and solid food. Output includes urine, feces, drainage fluid, sweat, vomitus, etc.

Drainage tubes and deep venous catheters: Some babies still have chest drainage tubes that have not been removed. If there is not much drainage fluid, it can be removed at the bedside. The deep cervical vein catheter is retained for 3 to 5 days and then removed.

3. Prevent infection: Strengthen back-patting therapy, encourage coughing and expectoration, and prevent complications such as lung infection and atelectasis. For older babies, it is encouraged to get up and move around as early as possible. This is very important for postoperative recovery. It can stimulate the gastrointestinal motility of the child, improve appetite, and promote wound healing. Babies who cannot walk can practice sitting alone, being held upright, walking with support, etc.

4. Care of surgical incision: pay attention to prevent infection, keep the local area dry, avoid friction and scratching, and give sedative and analgesic treatment if the pain is severe.

5. Body temperature: Some babies will have a low fever (<38℃) 3 to 5 days after the operation. This is usually due to heat absorption. Physical cooling can be effective, so there is no need to worry too much. If the high fever persists, doctors and nurses will promptly identify the cause and provide further treatment.