Physical rehabilitation of a patient status post coronary artery bypass graft surgery with intensive care unit delirium in an acute care setting

A 71-year-old male patient status post emergency coronary artery bypass graft surgery with intensive care unit delirium was seen for 6 physical therapy treatment sessions over the course of 11 days in an acute care inpatient setting. Treatment was done by a physical therapist student under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with Manual Muscle Testing, the 2-Minute Walk Test, the Physical Function in Intensive Care Unit Test, the Activity Measure of Post-Acute Care "6 Clicks", and the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit. A plan of care was established to address pain, decreased cardiopulmonary function, strength deficits, impaired cognitive function, poor balance, and decreased functional mobility. The patient's goals included independent ambulation and returning home to his spouse. Interventions included therapeutic bed exercises, progressive task-specific mobility training, patient education, and a cognitive-behavioral approach. The patient achieved the following goals of decreased pain, improved cardiopulmonary endurance, increased strength, improved cognitive function, and increased functional mobility. The patient reached his goal of independent ambulation and was discharged home with a home exercise program and a recommendation for outpatient cardiac rehabilitation.