Table 3 Sternal precautions recommended for the healing period during the first postoperative weeks after cardiac surgery.
Patients are not allowed to use: | n (%) |
|---|---|
their arms to push up from a lying to a sitting position | 5 (17%) |
their arms to push up from sitting to standing | 28 (97%) |
their stomach muscles to raise themselves from a lying to a sitting position | 12 (41%) |
their arms and shoulders, using full active movement | 1 (3%) |
their arms and shoulders, using full active movement with 1-2 kg weights | 12 (41%) |
a rollator (rolling walker) | 1 (3%) |
a walker | 0 (0%) |
crutches | 19 (66%) |