Which intervention helps reduce postoperative pneumonia after surgery?

• A. Early ambulation and incentive spirometry.
• B. Prolonged bed rest.
• C. Avoiding fluids.
• D. High-fat diet.

Answer: (A)

Preventing postoperative pneumonia hinges on keeping airways clear and ensuring the lungs expand fully after surgery. After anesthesia, shallow breathing and limited coughing can lead to atelectasis, mucus buildup, and infection risk. Early ambulation promotes deeper breaths, better chest wall movement, and more effective airway clearance, which reduces atelectasis and pneumonia risk. Incentive spirometry provides a structured way to take slow, deep breaths and sustain maximal inspiration, actively reopening collapsed alveoli, improving ventilation, and enhancing oxygenation.

Prolonged bed rest worsens lung collapse and mucus retention, increasing pneumonia risk. Avoiding fluids can lead to dehydration and thicker secretions, hindering clearance. A high-fat diet doesn’t target lung mechanics or airway clearance and doesn’t prevent pneumonia. Therefore, encouraging movement soon after surgery along with incentive spirometry best lowers the chance of postoperative pneumonia.