Question

early ambulation and mobilization are essential elements of post-operative care considerations because:

a. sitting upright when eating minimizes the risk for aspiration and supports normal digestion

b. changing position at least every two hours can reduce pain and pressure ulcer formation

c. ambulation and mobilization reduce the risk for deep vein thrombosis (dvt)

d. a, b, and c

Explanation:

Analyze the question stem

The question asks why early ambulation and mobilization are essential elements of postoperative care.

Evaluate Option A

Sitting upright when eating minimizes the risk for aspiration and supports normal digestion. While true, this describes positioning during meals rather than active ambulation or mobilization.

Evaluate Option B

Changing position at least every two hours can reduce pain and pressure ulcer formation. While true, this describes passive repositioning rather than active ambulation or mobilization.

Evaluate Option C

Using the Patient Care knowledge point, active ambulation and mobilization directly stimulate blood flow in the lower extremities. This muscle pump action prevents venous stasis, which directly reduces the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is the primary physiological benefit of early mobilization.

Determine the correct choice

Since Option C is the direct physiological benefit of ambulation and mobilization, Option C is the correct answer. Option D is incorrect because A and B describe other aspects of care (positioning and turning) rather than mobilization itself.

Answer:

• (A) Sitting upright when eating minimizes the risk for aspiration and supports normal digestion
• (B) Changing position at least every two hours can reduce pain and pressure ulcer formation
• (C) Ambulation and mobilization reduce the risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (Correct answer)
• (D) A, B, and C