Early mobilization after surgery primarily reduces which risk?

• A. Worsens Pulmonary Function.
• B. Increases Hospital Stay.
• C. DVT/PE.
• D. Delays Recovery.

Answer: (C)

Early mobilization after surgery primarily reduces the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. When a person is immobile after a procedure, blood tends to pool in the leg veins (venous stasis), which promotes clot formation. Getting up and moving, especially walking and using the calf muscles, enhances venous return, decreases stasis, and lowers the chance that a clot will form or enlarge. If a clot does form, it can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism, a serious postoperative complication.

While movement also benefits lung expansion and overall recovery, those effects are secondary to preventing venous thromboembolism. Conversely, early mobilization tends to shorten hospital stay and speed recovery, and it improves pulmonary function rather than worsening it.