Which of the following is a possible nursing diagnosis after CABG?

• A. Risk for infection
• B. Imbalanced nutrition < body requirements
• C. Activity intolerance
• D. Risk for decreased CO

Answer: (D)

After CABG, the heart’s ability to pump effectively can be temporarily impaired by factors from the surgery and bypass, such as myocardial stunning, edema, ischemia, and rhythm problems. This makes the risk of decreased cardiac output the most critical concern because it directly affects tissue perfusion and organ function. A nursing diagnosis that flags this risk—decreased cardiac output—guides urgent monitoring and interventions to support preload and contractility, prevent hypotension, and maintain oxygen delivery. Signs to watch for include low blood pressure, rapid or irregular pulse, reduced urine output, cool or mottled skin, and altered mental status. While infection risk, nutritional imbalances, or activity intolerance can also arise after CABG, they are secondary to the immediate threat of compromised cardiac output in the early postoperative period.