Role of nurse practitioners in chest wall clinics as a model for care

Abstract

Pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum, and rib resections are common chest wall deformities requiring surgical correction during the pediatric and adolescent period. The Ravitch and Nuss procedures are common surgical operations to treat these anterior chest wall deformities. Rib resections can be performed for oncological diagnostic purposes or to treat high-risk rib fractures. Nursing care focused on preoperative teaching as well as postoperative pain management is integral to successful outcomes for patients undergoing these procedures (J Pediatr Surg Nurs 5(1):22-7, 2016). In addition, nursing interventions should address the patients’ emotional and psychological well-being regarding their chest wall deformity.