An older adult underwent a surgical intervention. The patient has reduced vital capacity which is a normal physiological change due to age.What is the nursing action for postoperative care of this patient?.
A.Turn,cough and deep breathing Q2hours.
B.Encourage ambulation when patient feels stronger.
C. Check vital signs Q4hours.
D. Encourage adequate fluid intake. Correct answer is A.
Rationale: Elderly patients tend to develop risk of respiratory complications, which include atelectasis and pneumonia due to reduced vital capacity.
Nurses You Move Me 
What is your experience?.
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I worked in a surgical ward (post hip op for over 65s). They are always encouraged to move/transfer/ambulate the next day if able. A little more challenging because a lot of them have dementia (plus post op delirium sometimes) and do not remember having the op. Otherwise, it’s as you said 👍
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The comparison is not the same .This patient was sedated for the surgery so coughing, deep breathing, turning and the use of incentive spirometer are very important to expand his lungs to prevent pneumonia or atelectasis. That is the purpose of that. Turning, coughing and deep breathing must be done after surgery to clear the strong medication used to put patient to sleep.Ambulation will increase muscle efficiency and flexibility. Increase muscle coordination . The efficiency of the nerve impulse transmission will automatically increase.But you cannot walk patient immediately after surgery because patient might fall since
patient is still sedated. I worked surgical floors and Trauma but have never worked in dementia unit.Thanks for your input.
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