A 52-year-old school teacher diagnosed with early stage nonsmall cell lung cancer is scheduled for a lung resection.She is selected for the ambulatory surgery center's fast track recovery and discharge program.Which of the following statements describes a component of an ERAS care approach for thoracic surgery?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As with all specialties,patient education is a critical component to the success of ERAS program in thoracic surgery.Cessation of smoking and participation in an exercise regimen preoperatively are required in most programs.Early ambulation is critical and patients are informed that they will walk a short distance within the first hour after extubation in the PACU.All interventions from the timing of extubation to pain management are designed to facilitate early ambulation,to facilitate pulmonary hygiene and maximum lung expansion.Discharge occurs when patients are hemodynamically stable,tolerating their usual diet,with pain controlled by oral medication.The chest tube is removed if there is no air leak and the quality and amount of discharge is within normal limits.The presence of an air leak does not necessarily preclude discharge and patients may be discharged home with the chest tube in place,with instructions on its care.

A 52-Year-Old School Teacher Diagnosed with Early Stage Nonsmall Cell