Nursing guidelines for patients on self care and signs and symptoms of infection of surgical site for hospital discharge of reconstructive cardiac surgery

Abstract

Self-care is fundamental to the patient. It provides the means to help them improve their social activity and their role inside their family which has a positive influence on the levels of adherence to treatment. This study aimed to gather information from the patient on the nursing guidelines for self care and the signs and symptoms of infection on the surgical site in reconstructive cardiac surgery after hospital discharge. This is a descriptive quantitative research of a prospective nature. The research was performed in the residence of 20 patients over the age of 18, submitted to reconstructive cardiac surgery in a philanthropic quaternary hospital located in the city of São José do Rio Preto - SP. When asked about the need of hand washing, 85% of patients said to have received that instruction, while 70% said to have had no information on signs and infection symptoms. On the guidelines concerning the care of the surgical incision, 85% said it had been given, however only 20% had information about these cares. We highlight the need for guidance and educational assessments by the nurses and the surgical patient that would lead to the understanding of the surgical recovery process and the implementation of surgical care in post-hospital care