ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to identify the effect of deep breathing exercises on postoperative respiratory efficiency among children with open-heart surgery. It was carried out at the cardiology unit and open heart intensive care unit [ICU] in Cairo University Paediatric Hospital [CUPH]. A quazi - experimental design was utilized for it. A purposeful sample of 60 children with congenital heart disease and undergoing an open-heart surgery were recruited for the study. Data required for study were collected through the use of a questionnaire sheet and a respiratory assessment sheet, which were designed by the researcher based on reviewing the necessary literature. The first tool was a questionnaire sheet which consisted of three parts: related to the child and his/her parents and family; the child's disease and preparation for surgery; and finally childrenis view about the deep breathing exercises. The second tool was a respiratory assessment sheet. Data were collected through interviewing the mothers and children. No psychological preparation was available for both the study and control groups. Most of children in the study and control groups [86.7%] hadn't knowledge about deep breathing exercises. There was a statistically significant difference between the children in the study group and the control group in respiratory efficiency in relation to rate, depth, cough, O2 saturation, PaO2 and PaCO2.The study concluded that the majority of children were lacking knowledge about deep breathing exercises in relation to its technique, time and frequency of application, importance and effects. It was also concluded that the children in the study group had more efficient respiratory pattern postoperatively than the control group. It was recommended that deep breathing exercises must be given a high priority in the nursing care plan especially preoperatively for heart surgery, and Hospital physiotherapist, medical, and nursing students must have an active role in pre and post surgical preparations