The nurse is encouraging the postoperative patient to utilize diaphragmatic breathing. Reasons for this intervention include
a. Management of pain.
b. Decreased healing time.
c. Prevention of atelectasis.
d. Decreased thrombus formation.
C
During general anesthesia, the lungs are not fully inflated during surgery and the cough reflex is suppressed, so mucus collects within airway passages. After surgery, patients may have reduced lung volume and may require greater effort to cough and deep breathe; inadequate lung expansion can lead to atelectasis and pneumonia. Purposely utilizing diaphragmatic breathing can decrease this risk. Diaphragmatic breathing, except for the components of distraction, minimal increased level of oxygen, and minimal chest wall movement, does not influence pain, healing time, or thrombus formation. Better, more effective interventions are available for these situations.
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