Pediatric NCLEX Questions Related

Review Pediatric NCLEX Questions related questions and content

Several hours after returning from surgery, the nurse tells the patient that she is ordered to be ambulated. The patient asks, "Why?" Which of the following complications would the nurse correctly explain can be prevented by early postoperative ambulation?

  • A. Increased peristalsis
  • B. Coughing
  • C. Pneumonia
  • D. Wound healing  A1 PASSERS TRAINING, RESEARCH, REVIEW & DEVELOPMENT COMPANY MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING SET K
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Early postoperative ambulation is important for preventing complications such as pneumonia. When a patient remains immobile for an extended period after surgery, they are at an increased risk of developing pneumonia due to decreased lung expansion and secretions pooling in the lungs. Ambulation helps improve lung function, promote better oxygenation, and prevent respiratory complications like pneumonia. In contrast, increased peristalsis helps prevent constipation, coughing helps prevent respiratory complications as well, and wound healing is not directly related to the need for early postoperative ambulation.