title: Practical points in the care of the thoracic surgery patient.
abstract: There are three goals in caring for the patient who has undergone thoracic surgery: to optimize respiratory function, to assist the patient in liquifying and mobilizing secretions, and to promote ventilation of available lung tissue. This article discusses PACU assessment of the thoracic surgery patient and nursing priorities designed to promote these three goals.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Litwack
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011997:Recovery Room; D013903:Thoracic Surgery / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing*