Pay attention to these 7 points in postoperative care for constrictive pericarditis

As we all know, the best treatment for constrictive pericarditis is surgery. However, most patients with constrictive pericarditis do not know much about the postoperative care methods for constrictive pericarditis. In fact, the following 7 points need to be paid attention to in the postoperative care of constrictive pericarditis. The first thing you must do is to rest in bed for 2 weeks.

Postoperative care points:

(1) After surgery, you will need to stay in bed for 2 weeks, so you should strengthen your skin care and keep the bed flat and clean.

(2) Strictly control the rate of intravenous infusion. If conditions permit, use an infusion pump to deliver the fluid at a uniform rate to prevent left heart failure. Strictly record the 24-hour intake and output.

(3) After taking diuretics, record the urine volume for 24 hours and observe for electrolyte imbalance and hypokalemia.

(4) When taking digitalis drugs, the administration time and dosage must be strictly followed, and the pulse should be measured before taking. If the pulse rate of infants and young children is <100 beats/min or that of older children is <60 beats/min, the drug should be discontinued and the doctor should be notified immediately. Monitor digoxin blood levels regularly.

(5) For constrictive pericarditis caused by tuberculosis infection, anti-tuberculosis drugs should be taken continuously. Medication should also be administered nasogastricly during fasting.

(6) Eat a low-salt diet.

(7) Measure abdominal circumference daily and body weight weekly and record the results. 

Preoperative care

1. Nutritional supply: Due to poor heart function, children suffer from hepatomegaly, poor appetite, hypoproteinemia, pleural effusion and ascites. Therefore, children should be encouraged to eat a high-protein, high-vitamin, low-salt diet and receive timely intravenous supplements of protein, amino acids and other nutrients to enhance the body's tolerance.

2 Patients with tuberculous pericarditis should strictly implement anti-tuberculosis treatment before surgery, take medication on time, and perform surgical treatment after controlling the active period of tuberculosis to prevent the spread of tuberculosis after surgery. 

3. Those with pleural and abdominal effusion should rest in a semi-recumbent position and avoid scratching the skin. Children with large amounts of pleural effusion and ascites should assist the physician in suctioning the fluid 1 to 2 days before surgery in order to improve respiratory and circulatory functions and reduce the amount of blood returning to the heart after surgery. Strictly follow aseptic techniques during puncture, apply a sterile cotton pad or abdominal bandage on the puncture site, and measure body weight regularly. 

4 Respiratory tract preparation: Actively prevent and treat upper respiratory tract infections, and give nebulized inhalation and intravenous infusion of antibiotics. Instruct the child to cough effectively and breathe deeply. 

5 Psychological care Because the children are young and the hospital environment is unfamiliar, they may show emotional reactions such as fear and panic. Nurses should have more contact with children, establish good relationships with them, and gain their trust. Parents of sick children are under great mental stress because they are worried about the prognosis of treatment. Provide psychological counseling according to their psychological characteristics. 