What happens in the Intensive Care Unit?
After coronary artery bypass surgery the patient is admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. The patient is monitored to assess their progress. The patient is attached to a breathing machine (ventilator) as they will be under the effects of the anaesthetic and will not be awake enough to breathe independently. As the patient wakes up and is able to do more of their own breathing, the role of the ventilator is “weaned” until the patient is able to breathe well on their own. Once this happens the breathing tube can usually be removed. This process may take more time in patients with lung disease. In some cases the patient may need more sedation and support from the breathing machine if, for example, they are agitated or if bleeding from the chest is difficult to control. The effectiveness of the breathing machine is assessed regularly with a blood sample (ABG)looking at oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. An oxygen saturation probe attached to the patient’s finger monitors the oxy
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