Question

How would the nurse explain the purpose of early ambulation to a client who had surgery the previous day?

A) Promote healing of the incision
B) Decrease the incidence of urinary tract infections
C) Allow nursing staff to change the bedding
D) Keep blood from pooling in the legs to prevent clots

Answer 1

Early ambulation is essential to prevent blood clots, promote incision healing, and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. It aids in overall recovery, including improving circulation and respiratory function, and has psychological benefits.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would explain to the client that early ambulation after surgery is important primarily to keep blood from pooling in the legs and prevent the formation of clots, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is important because immobilization after surgery increases the risk of developing blood clots. By getting up and moving around, you help promote blood circulation, which can prevent complications such as DVT and pulmonary embolism.

Moreover, early ambulation can also help with other aspects of recovery, such as promoting healing of the incision by increasing blood flow to the area, reducing the incidence of urinary tract infections by encouraging frequent urination, and helping with respiratory function. It also provides an opportunity for a change of environment, which can have psychological benefits.

To provide further context connected to the question, during surgery and hospital stays, there are multiple ways that bacteria could be introduced into areas like the urinary tract, leading to a UTI or other hospital-acquired infections. This highlights the importance of not only early ambulation but also of rigorous infection control measures in the postoperative setting.