The article describes a nursing experience of caring for a post-operative patient who underwent an sophagectomy. An early pulmonary rehabilitation exercise plan effectively prevented the patient from post-surgery pulmonary complications in an intensive care unit. The nursing care period was from December 13 to 24, 2010. The author applied Gordon's 11 Functional Health Patterns and identified the following problems: ineffective breathing pattern, acute pain, anxiety, and a deficit of nutrition. The nurse built a trusting relationship with the patient and the patient's family. The patient's anxiety was relieved and the pain was alleviated by repositioning the patient and adjusting lifestyle preferences to maximize comfort. Early enteral nutrition was also initiated. A pulmonary rehabilitative training plan was designed and performed by the care team to prevent post-operative pulmonary complications. This article may serve as a reference for nurses who care for similar patients in future.