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Abstract: The purpose of this secondary analysis was to describe symptom management strategies used by elderly patients (n = 236) 3 and 6 weeks after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABS). Three weeks after surgery, the most frequently used strategies were rest to manage shortness of breath (53%) and fatigue (53%), medications for incision pain (24%), and repositioning for swelling (35%) and sleep disturbance (18%). Overall, fewer patients experiencing sleep disturbances (39%), incision pain (39%), swelling (46%), and appetite problems (17%) reported using a strategy to manage their symptom. Nurses must assist patients in symptom identification and problem solving to accomplish effective symptom management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this secondary analysis was to describe medication use and examine the relationship between medications and postoperative symptoms/problems in the first 3 months after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABS). Methods: The sample consisted of older (≥65 years) men and women (n = 232) who had undergone CABS. Medication data were collected through self-report 3 and 6 weeks and 3 months after surgery. Results: Most patients reported taking aspirin (88.2%–85.7%), statins or cholesterol-lowering drugs (88.6%–87%), and beta-blockers (68%–55.6%). No significant differences were found between the proportion of patients taking and not taking beta-blockers, antiarrhythmics, cholesterol-lowering drugs, or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor medications for common medication-specific symptoms/problems. Conclusion: Patients experience symptoms after surgery, but these symptoms did not seem to be side effects from medications. Nursing assessments and interventions targeting postoperative symptoms, symptom management, and medication side effects can enhance recovery and reinforce medication adherence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]