Nursing care of the patient undergoing thoracic window
Section: Hands on
How to quote
Blanco Curví S, Herranz Márquez N, González Penas N, Rial Garea G, Guillén Cortijo V, Pacheco Sánchez R. Cuidados enfermeros del paciente con ventana torácica. Metas de Enferm feb 2009; 12(1): 64-67
Authors
Silvia Blanco Curví, Noelia Herranz Márquez, Nerea González Penas, Gloria Rial Garea, Vanesa Guillén Cortijo, Raúl Pacheco Sánchez
Position
Diplomada/os en Enfermería
Contact address
C/ Bécquer 17, 5º C. 28932 Móstoles, Madrid.
Contact email: vanesaguillen78@hotmail.com
Abstract
Open thoracotomy, also called thoracic window, is a low-incidence, surgical technique indicated for pleural or thoracic empyema as a last therapeutic resource.
Patient care in this situation requires specific nursing knowledge and care, both in the hospital and in domiciliary care or home setting. Given that it is an infrequent therapeutic alternative, this type of care is not usually covered in undergraduate nursing training nor is it addressed in continuous training.
The objective of this study is to inform nursing professionals on the care of these patients, with a brief description of empyema physiopathology, therapeutic options, pre- and post operative care and recommendations at the moment of discharge.
Keywords:
pleural empyema; open thoracostomy; thoracic window; wound care; stoma
Versión en Español
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