Final answer:
Postoperative patients are at greater risk for a pulmonary embolism (PE) due to immobility, surgery-induced injury, and the effects of anesthesia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Postoperative patients are at greater risk for a pulmonary embolism (PE) due to several factors. Surgery itself can lead to immobility, which increases the risk of blood clot formation. Furthermore, anesthesia and surgical procedures can cause blood vessels to become injured, promoting clot formation. The following are some reasons why postoperative patients are at greater risk for a PE:
- Immobility: Postoperative patients often need to remain immobile for a certain period of time during recovery. Immobility can cause blood pooling, particularly in the deep veins of the legs, leading to the development of blood clots.
- Surgery-induced injury: Surgical procedures can cause damage to blood vessels, creating an environment that is conducive to blood clot formation.
- Anesthesia: Anesthesia used during surgery can affect blood clotting by altering the body's natural coagulation system, potentially increasing the risk of clot formation.