Functional outcomes of cardiac surgery for the elderly.

Despite their greater risk of perioperative complications and/or death after coronary bypass surgery, older patients represent an increasing proportion of such patients. This article reviews and summarizes the results of studies addressing the functional status and quality of life of elderly patients after cardiac surgery. Study findings indicate that many elderly patients benefit as much as younger patients from this surgery. Nurses in a position to serve as advocates for patients considering this surgery or requiring care after the procedure must be skilled at assessing functional status in these patients and monitoring for signs of postoperative functional deficit.