The effect of postoperative incentive spirometry on dyspnea severity among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft

Background Following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), the main causes of postoperative morbidity and mortality are postoperative pulmonary complications, respiratory dysfunction, and arterial hypoxemia. Aim To evaluate the effect of postoperative incentive spirometry (IS) on dyspnea severity among patients undergoing CABG. Research hypothesis H1: there is a statistically significant improvement in dyspnea severity among patients undergoing CABG after using IS when compared with before use. Design A quasi-experimental (one group pretest–posttest) design was used in the current study. Setting This study was conducted at selected cardiothoracic care units and cardiothoracic ward affiliated to Cairo University Hospitals. Sample A convenient sample of 49 adult patients undergoing CABG was included. Tools Three tools were used to collect data: first, demographic characteristics and health relevant data; second, chest auscultation; and third, dyspnea severity score. Results There were statistically significant improvements found in the dyspnea severity score on first day, second day, and third day after using IS compared with before using spirometry among the patients. Moreover, there was significant improvement in chest auscultation before and after using spirometry. Half of the patients (53.1%) revealed regaining of normal breath sounds on the third day after using IS versus before using spirometry, where only 28.6% had normal breath sounds on the third day. Conclusion It can be concluded that postoperative IS decreased dyspnea severity and improved respiratory function among patients undergoing CABG. Recommendation Future trials may be carried out with adequate research grants with postoperative IS after major surgery and other respiratory diseases to improve dyspnea severity without medication.