Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of deep breathing and coughing exercise training before surgery on respiratory functions and exercise tolerance in patients with open-heart surgery in the postoperative period.

Background: The decrease in respiratory functions and activity tolerance of patients after open heart surgeries reveals the need to improve this situation with effective interventions.

Methods: The quasi-experimental study was conducted with 80 patients undergoing open-heart surgery. Data were collected using the patient information form and the patient follow-up form. The patients were taught deep breathing and coughing exercises before the open-heart surgery and were supported in exercising regularly before and after the surgery. The patients' respiratory functions and exercise tolerance were measured and recorded via the patient follow-up form.

Results: It was determined that the respiratory capacity, distance, time, and walking speed of the patients in the experimental group during the postoperative period were significantly higher than the control group.

Conclusion: Substantially, deep breathing and coughing exercise training administered before surgery to patients undergoing open heart surgery improved respiratory functions and exercise tolerance in the postoperative period. It is recommended that nurses working in open-heart surgery clinics should plan deep breathing and coughing exercise training in the preoperative period and administer them regularly to the patients.

Implications for research, policy, and practice: Patients who will undergo open heart surgery should be trained by nurses in the preoperative period. Nurses should teach these patients deep breathing and coughing exercises. In the postoperative period, it should be checked regularly whether the patients do exercises or not.

What is already known about the topic?

It is important to teach and practice breathing exercises in patients who will have open heart surgery.
Respiratory training given by nurses in the preoperative period contributes to the management of the postoperative process.

What this paper adds:

This article demonstrates the importance of preoperative education for patients undergoing open heart surgery.
In this study, it is shown that open heart surgery has a negative effect on the respiratory capacity and exercise tolerance of the patients.
In addition, in this study, it is shown that the respiratory capacity and exercise tolerance of the patients who were taught preoperative breathing exercises and who performed the exercises in the postoperative period increased in the postoperative period.