Why is sodium low after heart surgery?
Objective: Rapid decreases in serum sodium levels are associated with altered mental status, seizures, and coma. During cardiac surgery, serum sodium levels decrease rapidly when cardiopulmonary bypass is initiated because cardiopulmonary bypass causes hemodilution.
What is the most common post operative pulmonary complication after CABG?
Most common post-operative pulmonary complication was atelectasis that occurred in 20 (3.86%) patients, respiratory failure in 8 (1.54%) patients, pneumonia in 3 (0.58%) patients and acute respiratory distress syndrome in 1 (0.19%) patients.
What is the most important electrolyte to monitor after CABG?
Prophylactic supplementation of potassium, magnesium and phosphate should be seriously considered in all patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures, both during surgery and in the immediate postoperative period. Levels of these electrolytes should be monitored frequently in such patients.
What causes low potassium after heart surgery?
Besides the prolonged preoperative use of diuretics and digitalis, the major factors responsible for the production of hypokalemia may stem from hyperventilation during anesthesia, hypothermia, hemodilution with priming solution low in potassium (K) content, administration of alkaline solution, influx of K into cells.
Is it common to have fluid in your lungs after heart surgery?
Conclusions: Pleural effusion is a common complication of heart surgery, is associated with other postoperative complications, and is more frequent in women and in patients with associated cardiac or vascular comorbidities and medications used to treat those conditions.
Why do you get fluid on lungs after heart surgery?
Chylothorax results from the buildup of chyle in the space outside the lungs (the pleural space). A buildup of this fluid makes it hard to breathe and can cause fatigue and discomfort.
What needs to be monitored after CABG?
Monitor chest tube drainage (generally serosanguineous) and report drainage of over 100 ml/hour. Watch for signs of bleeding by checking the patient’s hemoglobin and hematocrit levels at least every 4 hours. Administer blood if ordered. Monitor the patient’s electrolytes and report abnormal values.
Why is potassium given after heart surgery?
Senior cardiac nurse Christopher Allen says: Research suggests that having your potassium at a certain level within the ‘normal’ range helps to prevent atrial fibrillation after surgery, so most likely you have been prescribed the supplements because your potassium is below the normal or target range.
What causes low oxygen levels after open heart surgery?
Background: Cardiopulmonary bypass during cardiac surgery can result in a shortfall in oxygen delivery relative to demand, marked by a decrease in muscle tissue oxygen saturation as blood flow is redistributed to vital organs. Such “tissue shock” might impair postoperative recovery.
Why do you need potassium after heart surgery?