The Importance of Early Ambulation in Postoperative Care: Preventing Complications and Enhancing Recovery

Early ambulation is ordered in the postoperative plan of care, but the patient refuses to get up and walk. What teaching should the nurse provide to the patient about the reason for early ambulation?

Early ambulation refers to the practice of getting up and walking as soon as possible after a surgical procedure

Early ambulation refers to the practice of getting up and walking as soon as possible after a surgical procedure. This is a vital part of the postoperative plan of care as it offers numerous benefits for the patient’s overall recovery and well-being. When a patient refuses to ambulate, it becomes essential for the nurse to provide proper education and explanation as to why early ambulation is crucial. Here are a few key teaching points to consider:

1. Prevention of complications: The primary reason for early ambulation is to prevent postoperative complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and atelectasis. By encouraging the patient to get up and move around, blood circulation is improved, lung expansion is enhanced, and the risk of immobilization-related complications is minimized.

2. Faster recovery: Walking and moving around after surgery promote a faster recovery. It helps to maintain and restore muscle strength, joint mobility, and overall functional independence. Early ambulation can reduce the length of hospital stay and facilitate a quicker return to normal daily activities.

3. Pain management: Engaging in activities like walking can stimulate the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. These endorphins can help reduce postoperative pain and discomfort, and the patient may rely less on pain medications. Assure the patient that nursing staff will take necessary precautions to minimize pain during ambulation, like medication administration if needed beforehand.

4. Bowel function: Surgery, anesthesia, and pain medications can slow down bowel movements, leading to constipation. Early ambulation stimulates gastrointestinal motility, helping to restore normal bowel function and prevent constipation. Inform the patient that regular movement can help prevent gastrointestinal complications and promote regular bowel movements.

5. Psychological well-being: Remaining in bed for long periods after surgery can lead to feelings of weakness, anxiety, and depression. Active participation in early ambulation can improve the patient’s mood, provide a sense of achievement, and contribute to overall psychological well-being. It also helps maintain cognitive function and prevent issues associated with prolonged bed rest, such as delirium.

6. Overall safety: Early ambulation allows the nursing staff to monitor the patient’s stability, balance, and the presence of any potential complications during mobility. It creates an opportunity for individuals to regain confidence in their physical abilities and decreases the risk of falls or other accidents in the future.

During the teaching process, it is vital to adopt a patient-centered approach by considering and addressing the patient’s concerns and fears. Reinforce the benefits of early ambulation and ensure the patient’s understanding of how it contributes to their recovery. Additionally, listen attentively to the patient’s concerns or reservations, provide necessary support, and involve the interdisciplinary team if needed to address any psychological or physical barriers preventing the patient from ambulating.

Remember, it is crucial to respect the patient’s autonomy and collaborate with them to find solutions that work best for their individual situation while still striving to achieve the overall goal of early ambulation.

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