Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery Practice Test

Preoperative nursing care for CABG involves preparing the patient physically and emotionally before the operation by integrating assessment, teaching, and diagnostic planning. The nurse starts with a thorough assessment to establish a baseline and detect issues that could affect surgery or anesthesia—reviewing medical history, current medications (including anticoagulants and home meds), allergies, smoking status, and prior cardiac interventions; checking vital signs, weight, and fluid status; and identifying comorbidities that may need optimization. This information guides risk reduction and perioperative planning.

Teaching is a key part of preparation, helping the patient and family understand what to expect before, during, and after CABG. This includes explanations about the anticipated hospital course, the possibility of intubation and mechanical ventilation, the use of chest tubes, sternotomy precautions, pain management strategies, and the goals of deep breathing, coughing, early ambulation, and wound care. Clear education reduces anxiety, promotes cooperation with care plans, and enhances recovery.

Diagnostic studies are reviewed and coordinated to ensure the patient is ready for surgery. This typically includes laboratory tests (blood counts, electrolytes, kidney function, coagulation studies), type and screen or crossmatch, imaging (chest X-ray, echocardiogram as indicated), and an overall review of cardiac status with the surgical team and anesthesia.

Because preoperative care encompasses preparation, patient education, and the necessary tests before surgery, the other choices—focusing only on postoperative planning, excluding family education, or claiming preop care is finished after the surgery—do not accurately describe the full preoperative nursing role.