Sternal wound management: a case study. Nursing grand rounds

The complication of mediastinitis has important implications for nurses. This article describes the case of a man who developed a sternal wound infection following coronary artery bypass surgery. Nursing care is discussed and is summarized in care plans for the diagnoses Ineffective Breathing Pattern, Impaired Skin Integrity, and Ineffective Coping. Expert nursing care resulted in hospital discharge approximately two months after admission.