Abstract: Objective To explore an effective pulmonary function training health education approach for patients after cardiothoracic surgery. Methods 100 patients after cardiothoracic surgery were randomly divided into experimental group (50 cases) and control group (50 cases). The patients in the control group were given conventional health education, while those in the experimental group were given standard pulmonary function training health education approach. Their incidence of complications, duration of chesttube and hospitalization were compared. Results The incidence of complications, duration of chesttube and hospitalization were all less in the experimental group than the controls （P<0.05）. Conclusion Standard pulmonary function training health education approach can accelerate the recovery of patients after cardiothoracic surgery.

Key words: cardiothoracic surgery, rehibilitation nursing, health education approach, pulmonary function training