Which complication can be prevented by early ambulation in the post-operative period?

Appeared in: Haryana CHO - 2022

Explanation

Immobility following surgery leads to venous stasis, which is the pooling of blood in the deep veins of the legs.
Early ambulation activates the calf muscles, creating a 'muscle pump' effect.
This pumping action propels blood out of the legs and back toward the heart, improving venous return.
By preventing blood from stagnating, early ambulation directly counteracts a key factor in the formation of blood clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis).

Option A: While ambulation can help relieve postoperative gas pain by stimulating peristalsis, it can also increase acute incisional pain. Its primary purpose is not pain prevention.
Option C: Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are primarily side effects of anesthetic agents and opioid medications, not a consequence of immobility.
Option D: Surgical site infections are prevented by maintaining aseptic technique during surgery and proper wound care afterward. While mobility improves overall health, it is not a direct intervention to prevent infection.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Prevention of postoperative complications as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses are responsible for implementing DVT prophylaxis protocols, which prominently feature early ambulation, patient education on leg exercises, and application of mechanical devices like SCDs.
A key nursing assessment is monitoring for signs and symptoms of DVT, such as unilateral calf pain, tenderness, swelling, warmth, and redness.
Patient education on the importance of moving after surgery is crucial to ensure compliance and prevent this life-threatening complication.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core intervention in the question stem: 'early ambulation' in the 'post-operative period'.
Next, analyze the primary physiological effect of this intervention. Ambulation involves using the leg muscles, which improves blood circulation from the lower extremities.
Evaluate each option to see which one is most directly impacted by improved circulation and prevention of blood stasis.
Pain, vomiting, and infection have primary causes (tissue trauma, anesthesia, microbes) that are not directly related to immobility-induced stasis.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a direct result of venous stasis, a condition that early ambulation is specifically intended to prevent.
Therefore, select DVT as the complication most effectively prevented by early ambulation.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 1 pp. 125-127, 121-123

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