Final answer:
Atelectasis is the most common respiratory disorder seen in the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery due to factors that impede lung expansion and affect respiratory muscle function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The respiratory disorder most commonly seen in the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery is Atelectasis. This condition involves the partial collapse of the lung tissue, leading to decreased gas exchange and oxygenation. Patients are at a higher risk for atelectasis due to prolonged recumbency, anesthesia, and diminished respiratory efforts postoperatively. While bronchitis, pneumonia, and pneumothorax can also occur after surgery, atelectasis is the most prevalent in the immediate postoperative period due to factors such as reduced respiratory movements and supine positioning that impedes lung expansion, along with the residual effects of anesthetics on respiratory muscle function.
Preventive measures for atelectasis include the use of incentive spirometry, early ambulation, and proper pain control to facilitate deep breathing and coughing efforts. Recognition and prompt management of atelectasis are crucial to prevent further complications such as pneumonia, which can further compromise post-surgical recovery.