Final answer:
Early mobilization prevents post-op complications, and endotracheal intubation during surgery ensures open airways. Post-operative care includes safety precautions such as prophylactic antibiotics and reviewing essential imaging results.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early mobilization after surgery is pivotal to prevent unwanted post-op complications. Staying in bed can lead to multiple health issues, such as muscle atrophy and an increased risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Therefore, post-operative care often includes encouraging the patient to move and ambulate as soon as it is safely possible.
During surgery, procedures like endotracheal intubation are performed to ensure that the patient's airways remain open. After surgery, it's crucial for recovery that the patient's breathing and muscle function return to normal. It often takes about 30 minutes for a patient to fully awaken from anesthesia, and during this time, medical staff will monitor the return of muscle control, including the muscles necessary for respiration.
Additionally, other safety protocols are followed, such as confirming the administration of prophylactic antibiotics prior to incision and ensuring all essential imaging results are available in the operating room. The collaborative review by the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesiologist of key concerns for the patient's recovery underscores the comprehensive approach to post-operative care.