Sternal wound infection: a case study of a devastating postoperative complication

Patients with a sternal wound infection are often admitted to the ICU or to a telemetry unit. The case of MW is extreme; most patients with a sternal wound infection can be successfully treated with antibiotic therapy and debridement. However, this case illustrates what devastating effects a sternal wound infection can have and the importance of nursing care and prevention. Nurses have a key role in minimizing the severity of sternal wound infection by being aware of the risk factors and providing thorough discharge teaching to patients so that signs and symptoms are reported early.