Discharge teaching for CABG should cover which of the following topics?

Discharge teaching for CABG should cover which of the following topics?

• A. Assistance at home- include family in teaching; Prescribed medications; Care of incision & graft sites; Activity & sexual activity; Risk factor modification for CAD; Referrals for additional sources of support, such as the American Heart Association or Mended Hearts
• B. Only diet counseling
• C. Only medication administration
• D. Only wound care

Answer: (C)

Discharge teaching after CABG should cover a wide range of topics to support safe recovery at home and reduce the risk of complications. Patients need clear guidance on all prescribed medications—what each one does, how to take it, potential side effects, and what to do if a dose is missed—since medicines like antiplatelets, statins, blood pressure meds, and pain controls are central to graft patency and heart health. Wound and graft site care is also essential: how to care for incisions, signs of infection or graft concerns, showering or bathing guidelines, and what to monitor at the donor-site, with instructions on when to seek help. Activity guidance helps prevent deconditioning while protecting healing tissues: a plan for gradual activity advancement, restrictions on heavy lifting or strenuous exertion, safe return-to-work timelines, and the role of cardiac rehabilitation. Sexual activity is typically discussed with timing and safety in mind, usually after healing has begun and with physician input. Long-term health requires risk factor modification: quitting smoking, adopting a heart-healthy diet, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, managing diabetes if present, and achieving a healthy weight. Involving family in teaching supports adherence and safety at home, and referrals to support resources like the American Heart Association or Mended Hearts can provide ongoing encouragement and information. Finally, patients should have clear follow-up plans, know which symptoms require urgent care, and understand how to contact their care team with questions. This comprehensive approach ensures a safer transition from hospital to home and promotes sustained recovery and heart health.

Discharge teaching after CABG should cover a wide range of topics to support safe recovery at home and reduce the risk of complications. Patients need clear guidance on all prescribed medications—what each one does, how to take it, potential side effects, and what to do if a dose is missed—since medicines like antiplatelets, statins, blood pressure meds, and pain controls are central to graft patency and heart health. Wound and graft site care is also essential: how to care for incisions, signs of infection or graft concerns, showering or bathing guidelines, and what to monitor at the donor-site, with instructions on when to seek help.

Activity guidance helps prevent deconditioning while protecting healing tissues: a plan for gradual activity advancement, restrictions on heavy lifting or strenuous exertion, safe return-to-work timelines, and the role of cardiac rehabilitation. Sexual activity is typically discussed with timing and safety in mind, usually after healing has begun and with physician input. Long-term health requires risk factor modification: quitting smoking, adopting a heart-healthy diet, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, managing diabetes if present, and achieving a healthy weight. Involving family in teaching supports adherence and safety at home, and referrals to support resources like the American Heart Association or Mended Hearts can provide ongoing encouragement and information.

Finally, patients should have clear follow-up plans, know which symptoms require urgent care, and understand how to contact their care team with questions. This comprehensive approach ensures a safer transition from hospital to home and promotes sustained recovery and heart health.