What is the primary goal of preoperative teaching regarding incision splinting and leg exercises?

• A. To reduce postoperative pulmonary complications and promote recovery
• B. To shorten hospital stay by late teaching
• C. To increase patient anxiety about surgery
• D. To minimize need for anesthesia evaluation

Answer: (A)

The main idea is preventing postoperative pulmonary problems and supporting overall recovery by teaching methods that protect the lungs and improve circulation after surgery. Incision splinting makes deep breathing and coughing more comfortable by stabilizing the chest wall over the incision, which reduces pain and allows for better ventilation, helping prevent atelectasis and pneumonia. Leg exercises stimulate blood flow in the legs, reducing venous stasis and the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, while also encouraging earlier mobilization. Together, these preoperative instructions aim to minimize complications and promote a smoother, faster recovery.

The other options don’t fit because delaying teaching or focusing on anxiety or anesthesia evaluation isn’t the goal of this specific preop guidance, which centers on pulmonary protection and postoperative recovery.