When is the best time for preoperative teaching (incision splinting, leg exercises)?

• A. As soon as possible before surgery
• B. The morning of surgery
• C. After anesthesia
• D. During postoperative recovery

Answer: (A)

Teaching before surgery should happen as soon as possible to allow the patient to learn and practice important techniques like incision splinting and leg exercises before anesthesia and the operation. Early instruction gives time to understand the correct method, ask questions, and rehearse movements, which helps prevent postoperative complications such as impaired breathing from shallow coughing and venous thromboembolism from poor leg exercises. When teaching occurs well in advance, the patient can build confidence and participate actively in recovery, with family support if needed. Delaying instruction until the morning of surgery, after anesthesia, or only during postoperative recovery limits the patient’s ability to learn, perform the techniques correctly, and reduce complications.