Teaching after CABG surgery: a family affair

CABG surgery is a stressor that severely compromises the integrity of the family. In the role of teacher, the critical care nurse can function as a catalyst to facilitate the togetherness of the family. This goal may be achieved by the nurse using easily planned and presented teaching-learning strategies described in this article. Family wholeness can be encouraged by the nurse instructing both the patient and spouse in the basic skills and general knowledge necessary to perform postoperative care. In this capacity, the nurse can also establish a foundation for life-long commitment to healthful behaviors. Thus, the instruction of the nurse facilitates the mutual support needed by family members to achieve positive rehabilitation. Truly, teaching after CABG surgery is a family affair.