Date of Graduation

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Nursing

Advisor/Mentor

Hall, David

Committee Member

Dunbar, Diana

Abstract

Background

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures are conducted across the United States to patients that have blocked arteries resulting in the heart not receiving enough profusion to adequately function. This is an invasive, lifesaving surgery that also welcomes complications post-surgery. 1 in 8 patients will check back into the hospital at least 30 days after their CABG procedures. Readmission can be related to arrhythmias and congestive heart failure; however, most patients see respiratory complications or infection (Shawon, et al., 2021).

Purpose

The purpose of this externship was to learn if early ambulation had a positive impact on patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

MethodsThrough an externship at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital, 290 hours were given to patients on the progressive coronary care unit who had received CABG procedure. These patients were under a protocol that required them to participate in early ambulation. A literature review was also performed through CINAHL, Medline, and PubMed. Thousands of peer reviewed articles were found, but after filtering through articles that included keywords such as: ambulation, walking, post operative, cardiac surgery, and CABG, 15 articles were selected.

Results

Having patients walk after CABG surgeries helps decrease the chance of longer hospital stay and complications. The research conducted also highlighted obstacles that patients face while walking after open heart surgery, but it was found that walking will allow patients to recover faster and heal properly.

Conclusion

According to the research that was found, walking post CABG surgery will decrease the risk of complications. The evidence suggests that patients will see an increase in cardiac health and will face less rehospitalizations in the future.

Keywords

early ambulation; post surgery; cardiac surgery; coronary artery bypass graft

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