Sternal Precautions
After undergoing any open-heart surgery, individuals will be restricted to sternal precautions.
No lifting, pushing, or holding more than ten pounds for 6-8 weeks post-op or as noted by the physician.
Sternal precautions apply to all ADLs, I-ADLs, patient transfers, and mobility.
Impact on ADLs/ Transfers:
Do not pull on side rail for lying to sitting transfers.
Do not push off on surface beside body for sit to stand trasnfers.
Do not hand propel wheelchair.
Do not rely on grab bar to pull the whole body up form sitting.
If a patient remains on your caseload after 8 weeks, check with the physician or the medial chart to ensure sternal precautions are lifted prior to adapting any physical interventions.
The following video provides a visual depiction of transferring a patient under sternal precautions. Please note that this video was not created by this website editor, and thus, use clinical judgement when transferring patients and follow institutional guidelines.
No lifting, pushing, or holding more than ten pounds for 6-8 weeks post-op or as noted by the physician.
Sternal precautions apply to all ADLs, I-ADLs, patient transfers, and mobility.
Impact on ADLs/ Transfers:
Do not pull on side rail for lying to sitting transfers.
- Cross arms in front of chest, log roll, and drop legs at bedside to sit.
Do not push off on surface beside body for sit to stand trasnfers.
- Cross arms infront of chest, place feet under knees, and rock if needed prior to standing
Do not hand propel wheelchair.
- Foot propelling is okay, using hands lightly to steer, if the person is cognitively aware and able to restrict physical exertion past 10lbs.
Do not rely on grab bar to pull the whole body up form sitting.
- It is okay to place hands on a grab bar or wall, as long as no more than 10lbs body weight is lifted.
If a patient remains on your caseload after 8 weeks, check with the physician or the medial chart to ensure sternal precautions are lifted prior to adapting any physical interventions.
The following video provides a visual depiction of transferring a patient under sternal precautions. Please note that this video was not created by this website editor, and thus, use clinical judgement when transferring patients and follow institutional guidelines.