What intervention should a nurse perform to best address the pathophysiology leading to postoperative atelectasis?

Addressing postoperative atelectasis effectively involves interventions that target the underlying pathophysiological changes in the lungs following surgery, particularly those related to reduced lung volume and decreased effective ventilation. Teaching deep breathing, coughing, and incentive spirometry exercises is crucial because these activities help to re-expand collapsed alveoli, promote adequate lung expansion, and facilitate the clearance of secretions.

Incentive spirometry encourages patients to take slow, deep breaths, which can prevent the small airways in the lungs (bronchioles and alveoli) from collapsing. This action promotes ventilation in all areas of the lungs, reduces the risk of fluid accumulation, and helps maintain effective gas exchange. Additionally, teaching patients proper coughing techniques enables them to clear secretions effectively, which reduces the risk of infection and further lung complications.

While encouraging fluid intake, providing supplemental oxygen, and mobilizing the client are all valuable interventions and can support overall recovery and respiratory function, they do not specifically target the prevention of atelectasis as directly as the practice of deep breathing and incentive spirometry does. Therefore, focusing on these breathing techniques is the most direct and evidence-based approach to addressing the pathophysiology leading to postoperative atelectasis.