Question

Following surgery involving median sternotomy, how long should upper body movements that exert tension on the sternal wound be avoided?

A) 1 week
B) 2 weeks
C) 4 weeks
D) 6 weeks

Answer 1

After surgery involving a median sternotomy, upper body movements that exert tension should be avoided for 6 weeks to allow for proper healing of the sternum.

Step-by-step explanation:

Following surgery that involves a median sternotomy, such as open-heart surgery, it is important to ensure adequate healing of the sternum to prevent complications like sternal dehiscence. Generally, upper body movements that exert tension on the sternal wound, like lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy objects, should be avoided to facilitate proper healing. The recommended duration to avoid these activities is typically D) 6 weeks. This timeframe allows the bone and soft tissue to heal sufficiently before being subjected to the stresses of normal activities.