Physical therapy program for the pediatric cardiac surgical patient.

The management of pediatric cardiac surgery patients at the North Carolina Memorial Hospital is described. The physical therapy program includes education and treatment which is intended to 1) reduce surgical risk by decreasing preoperative pulmonary congestion, 2) reduce the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications and length of hospitalization, and 3) improve patient and family understanding and cooperation. The program includes a self-instructional package presented by a children's puppet. The package prepares the patient for the events ahead, including the physical therapy program and prospectively frightening aspects of intensive care.