Which patient education topic is essential before abdominal surgery to prevent postoperative atelectasis?

• A. Deep breathing and coughing techniques
• B. Incision care
• C. Oral antibiotic therapy after discharge
• D. Diet planning

Answer: (A)

Preventing postoperative atelectasis relies on keeping the lungs well expanded and able to clear secretions after surgery. Teaching deep breathing and purposeful coughing before the operation gives patients practical skills they can use after anesthesia and pain medications, which often cause shallow breaths. Deep breathing exercises, including incentive spirometry, promote maximal inspiration that reopens any collapsed alveoli, improves ventilation, and reduces mucus plugging. Coughing helps mobilize secretions and clear the airways, further preventing alveolar collapse. Together with pain management and splinting to make coughing more comfortable, these techniques address the changes that lead to atelectasis after abdominal surgery. Incision care, oral antibiotics after discharge, and diet planning are important for other aspects of recovery but do not directly prevent lung collapse.