Question

For which nursing diagnoses or collaborative problems common in postoperative patients has ambulation been found to be an appropriate intervention? (select and explain one by one)

• Impaired skin integrity related to incision
• Impaired mobility related to decreased muscle strength
• Risk for aspiration related to decreased muscle strength
• Ineffective airway clearance related to decreased respiratory excursion
• Constipation related to decreased physical activity and impaired gastrointenstinal (GI) motility
• Venous thromboembolism related to dehydration, immobility, vascular manipulation, or injury

Answer 1

• Encourage ambulation if possible as it reduces pressure on the skin and thus reduces the factors causing impaired skin integrity.
• Wheelchair, walker or crutches can be used for ambulation in impaired physical mobility and muscle strength can be improved.
• Ambulation and exercises helps in improving the strength of respiratory muscles and thus prevents aspiration.
• Ambulation promotes lung expansion and mobilizes secretions in ineffective airway clearence.
• Ambulation improves the gastric motility and prevents constipation.
• Early Ambulation prevents Venous thromboembolism in immobility.