Open Heart Surgery: Postoperative Complications (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to complications, monitoring, and nursing care after open heart surgery.

Dysrhythmias (post-open heart surgery)

Common postoperative rhythm disturbances; about 25% develop one, with atrial fibrillation the most frequent.

Atrial fibrillation (AFib)

Most common postoperative dysrhythmia after CABG/valve surgery; rapid ventricular rate (often 120–160s) and embolic risk if prolonged.

Ventricular tachycardia (V-tach)

Rapid ventricular rhythm that can occur post‑op and may require immediate defibrillation.

Brady-dysrhythmias

Very slow heart rhythms (teens to 30s bpm) reducing cardiac output and potentially progressing to asystole.

Asystole

Absence of electrical activity and heartbeat; life-threatening without intervention.

Cardiogenic shock / decreased cardiac output

Inadequate cardiac output after surgery causing poor tissue perfusion; managed with inotropes, vasopressors, and devices.

Inotropic support

Medications that increase myocardial contractility to improve cardiac output.

Vasopressors

Drugs that constrict blood vessels to raise blood pressure and improve organ perfusion.

Dopamine

Inotrope/vasopressor used to improve cardiac output and blood pressure in shock.

Epinephrine

Inotrope/vasopressor used for low cardiac output and hypotension; increases heart rate and contractility.

Norepinephrine

Vasopressor used to raise systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure in shock.

Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP)

Mechanical device that inflates/deflates to increase coronary/brain perfusion and decrease afterload.

Myocardial infarction (MI) post-op

MI occurring before or after surgery; causes include graft occlusion, plaque rupture, or valve-induced coronary flow obstruction.

Pericardial tamponade

Blood in the pericardial sac compressing the heart; can cause muffled heart sounds and hypotension.

Pericardial window

Surgical drainage of the pericardial space when effusion is thick/clotted and not drainable by needle.

Pericardiocentesis

Needle drainage of pericardial effusion; may be limited if blood has clotted.

Chest tube output

Monitoring mediastinal chest tube drainage for bleeding; high output may signal hemorrhage.

Respiratory insufficiency post-op

Inadequate ventilation/oxygenation after surgery requiring ventilation support or NIV.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)

Pneumonia that develops in patients on prolonged mechanical ventilation.

Atelectasis

Collapsed lung regions common after surgery seen on imaging.

Pleural effusion

Fluid accumulation in the pleural space that can worsen respiratory status.

ABG abnormalities (respiratory)

Arterial blood gases may show respiratory acidosis and hypoxemia after surgery.

Hypoxemia

Low arterial oxygen (PaO2) that can occur with postoperative respiratory dysfunction.

BiPAP / CPAP

Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation methods to support breathing.

Pain assessment

Evaluating pain intensity; may use numeric scales or nonverbal cues if sedated.

Nonpharmacologic pain relief

Techniques like positioning, splinting with a pillow, environmental comfort, and massage.

Stroke post‑op assessment

Neuro checks for LOC, ability to follow commands, motor function, and pupil response.

CT head without contrast

Imaging used to assess for acute intracranial bleed in suspected stroke.

MRI brain

Imaging used for ischemic stroke evaluation when patient is stable enough for MRI.

Neuro check frequency

Frequent neurological assessments (e.g., every 15 minutes early post‑op) until stable.

Lines and tubes in post‑op patient

NG tube, endotracheal tube, PA catheter, chest tubes, temporary pacer wire, arterial line, Foley, telemetry, pulse oximeter.

Pupil assessment

Check for equality and reactivity as part of neuro checks.

Telemetry monitoring

Continuous ECG monitoring for rhythm assessment after surgery.

Mortality rate (open heart surgery)

Overall mortality commonly 1–3%, higher with greater comorbidity.

Morbidity causes and monitoring

MI, tamponade, dysrhythmias, and low cardiac output are key concerns; monitor enzymes (CK, troponin) and ECG changes.

Cath lab / re-operation for MI

If MI suspected post‑op, evaluation may involve cath lab, possible stent or return to surgery.

CK and troponin

Cardiac enzymes measured to diagnose MI post‑op.

Protamine sulfate

Medication used to reverse heparin if postoperative bleeding occurs.