When a PCT is assisting a post-operative patient following abdominal surgery with coughing exercises, what action should they take?

The correct action when assisting a post-operative patient following abdominal surgery with coughing exercises is to have the patient place a pillow over the incisional area during the exercises. This technique serves multiple important purposes in the post-operative context.

Firstly, applying a pillow or a soft support over the surgical incision provides a cushion that helps to minimize discomfort and pain when the patient coughs. Abdominal surgery typically involves manipulation of tissues and incision of the skin, which can result in significant tenderness in the area. By using a pillow, the patient can brace against the incision, which helps to stabilize the area and reduces the risk of further strain on the surgical site during the coughing effort.

Secondly, this action also aids in the effectiveness of the coughing exercise. By applying pressure to the incision site, patients may be more willing and able to perform these exercises, which are crucial for clearing secretions from the lungs, preventing atelectasis (collapsed lung), and promoting better lung expansion. Properly timed coughing exercises are particularly important after abdominal surgeries to ensure the patient can breathe deeply, which plays a vital role in the recovery process.

Placing the patient in a prone position or having the patient sit with their hands at their sides during the exercises would not provide the necessary support to the