The purpose of this descriptive comparative study is to determine if there is a difference in pain levels between patients experiencing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) and CABG with cardio-pulmonary bypass (on-pump), and to determine if postoperative pain levels experienced by CABG patients are self-determined as reasonable. Seventy-two patients participated in this study: 45 patients had off-pump CABG surgery and 27 patients had on-pump CABG surgery. The Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) was used to measure pain. Patients rated their pain at four time intervals postoperatively: (a) the operative day, 1-hour post-extubation, (b) first postoperative day at 8:00am and 4:00pm, and (c) second postoperative day at 12:00 noon. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests. The average postoperative pain ratings were compared between the two groups. No significant differences in pain ratings were found between the groups. The average preoperative reasonable pain ratings were compared to the average postoperative pain ratings of the entire group. The pain levels were significantly higher than were determined preoperatively as reasonable at the one-hour post-extubation assessment. At the subsequent three pain rating measurements, the pain levels were significantly lower. Nursing practice regarding pain management based on the evidence provided by research, results in improved patient outcomes. The findings of this study provides nurses with needed information about the pain experience.
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