How to care for lung cancer patients after surgery? 10 key points for postoperative care of lung cancer patients

In order to take good care of lung cancer patients after surgery, we need to promptly educate patients and their families about the disease. In addition, we should also know what kind of preparations should be given to lung cancer patients after they get off the operating table. We summarize the specific care for patients after lung cancer surgery as follows:

(1) According to the routine nursing care for patients under general anesthesia, it is advisable to position the patient awake and supine.

(2) Regularly monitor the patient's blood pressure, heart rate, pulse, and breathing. If you find that the blood pressure drops or rises significantly, the pulse increases, or there is difficulty breathing, notify the doctor immediately.

(3) Keep the airway open and suction sputum at any time when the endotracheal tube is intubated; after extubation, instruct and assist with coughing and expectoration; when the sputum is thick, use nebulizer inhalation to dilute the sputum; if lung function has been affected, bronchoscopic suction or tracheotomy can be performed.

(4) Regularly monitor blood oxygen saturation and blood gas analysis, and adjust the oxygen supply method and concentration at any time based on the results.

(5) Maintain open closed chest drainage.

(6) To maintain fluid balance, for patients who have undergone lobectomy or complete lung resection, the infusion rate should be slow, not exceeding 40 drops/minute (the elderly and children should follow the doctor's advice), and the intake and output should be accurately recorded.

(7) Provide good observation and care for postoperative intrathoracic hemorrhage and other complications.

(8) For patients who have undergone pneumonectomy, observe the position of the trachea and continue to breathe low-flow oxygen for 2-3 days after surgery. If subcutaneous emphysema occurs, observe its extent and the effect on the position of the trachea. If necessary, cooperate with the doctor to perform incision and exhaust.

(9) Patients are encouraged to stay in bed for 1-2 days after surgery and to get out of bed after 2 days. The amount of activity should be gradually increased based on the patient's recovery condition.

(10) Explain the precautions for patients who need chemotherapy or radiotherapy after surgery.

However, lung cancer patients still need to undergo chemotherapy for a period of time after surgery. This requires us to prepare patients for chemotherapy and tell them to eat more nutritious foods to improve their resistance. This is the only way to minimize the side effects of chemotherapy, such as reduced resistance.