It is normal for you and your child to get nervous regarding the surgery. This is quite important to understand the tips regarding preparation for your child’s heart surgery.
Prior To Surgery
A few days before your child’s surgery, you will come across the pediatric cardiac surgery team for last-minute preparations. To put it in simple words, “pro-op” allows you to ask questions about whatever you want. You may write down all your concerns and do encourage your child to have conversations regarding their fears to prepare for the pre-op day. They let you know important details including the Tricuspid valve located between the heart’s two right chambers.
Doctors would be asking you some questions like if your child ever has any sort of drug allergies and medicine names if any medicine is being taken. You should have accurate data regarding the medication and dosage.
The nurse will also be asking important questions in the context of the child’s general health, activity level, and diet. Your child’s heart rate will be checked. Moreover, their lungs and/or their mouth will also be checked thoroughly. In case your child has a cold or fever, the operation needs to be postponed until he gets well.
Your child will have a chest X-ray, echocardiogram, and EKG if it is required. The best thing is that any of these tests are not painful. A small sample of blood, as well as urine, will also be required.
To Get To Learn Regarding The Hospital And Heart Surgery
You and your child will meet a Child Life Specialist who will be giving you a tour of the hospital areas you will be seeing while having your stay. The Child Life Specialist will show you and your child the playroom and let you know about the electronic games and movies he or she can have in their room. If you truly have any questions, she will truly be happy to answer them.
Here, it needs to be mentioned that a pre-op nurse will talk to your child regarding the special bath required before surgery and explain some specific things after the procedure, you will need to perform certain things to take care of your child’s incision. You will also come across your child’s cardiologist as well as a cardiac surgeon. If you have any sort of questions including tricuspid valve, they will answer those. It probably is a period when you would be waiting to meet members of its team. You will truly be able to leave the clinic to have something to eat or take a walk.
Conclusion
We hope that you have become aware of these important things regarding preparing for your child’s heart surgery.
