(2)
Deep breathing. Deep breathing helps prevent postoperative
pneumonia and atelectasis (incomplete expansion of the lung or a portion of the lung).
In deep breathing, the patient should inhale and exhale as much air as possible. You
are to explain the procedure and its purpose to the patient. Instruct the patient to:
(a) Inhale slowly through the nose, distending the abdomen and
exhaling slowly through pursed lips (see Figure 1-3).
(b) Deep breathe as often as possible, preferably 5 to 10 times
every hour during the postoperative, immobilized period.
Figure 1-3. Deep breathing exercise.
MD0915
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