What is the most effective method for preventing postoperative complications in a patient after abdominal surgery?

Deep breathing exercises are crucial in preventing postoperative complications, particularly respiratory issues such as pneumonia, atelectasis, and hypoxemia. After abdominal surgery, patients often have decreased lung volumes and can restrict their breathing due to pain. Encouraging deep breathing helps to expand the lungs, promote ventilation, enhance gas exchange, and encourage the clearance of secretions.

When patients engage in deep breathing exercises, they also help to mobilize lung secretions, reducing the risk of fluid accumulation and infection. This simple, non-invasive intervention can significantly improve lung function and overall recovery.

In contrast, while regular physical therapy is beneficial for overall mobility and rehabilitation, it may not directly address respiratory complications as effectively as deep breathing exercises do in the immediate postoperative period. Increased morphine dosage can potentially lead to respiratory depression, which would counteract the goal of preventing postoperative complications. Imaging studies are used for diagnosis rather than prevention and have no role in directly reducing complications after surgery.