Understanding mediastinitis: nursing's role in prevention and treatment

Mediastinitis is a clinical problem seen in patients after a mediasternotomy usually following cardiac surgery. Although relatively rare, this complication slows recovery, lengthens hospital stay and increases health care costs. An overview of the problem of sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery is provided. Predisposing, intraoperative and post-operative factors related to this problem will be discussed. Attention to the factors related to the problem may contribute to the prevention of mediastinitis. Clinical recognition of the problem will be described and treatment options, nursing therapeutics and research questions will be addressed.