Final answer:
Splinting is used to support surgical incisions, helping to reduce pain and protect the area during recovery processes such as deep breathing and coughing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Splinting provides support to surgical incisions, thus reducing pain when taking deep breaths, coughing, moving in bed, getting in or out of bed, and ambulating. After an operation, especially in the abdominal or chest areas, coughing or deep breathing can be painful, and splinting helps to minimize this discomfort due to its supportive nature around the incision site. The stability provided by a splint can aid in protecting the area and can be especially important for enhancing mobility during the recovery process.