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The Effects Of Deep Breathing Exercises On The Prevention Of Pulmonary Complications

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PICO question: How does the use of incentive spirometers compare to the use of deep breathing exercises in the prevention of pulmonary complications in post-operative, hospitalized patients?

Background and Rationale: Currently, postoperative pulmonary complications “account for about 25% of deaths occurring within 6 days of surgery,” (Yoder, M 2015). Post-operative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are of major concern due to the increased length of hospital stays and high rates of occurrence and death as a result. Those at greater risk of developing a pulmonary complication include preexisting lung disease, medical comorbidities, poor nutritional status, overall poor health, and in those who smoke. (Yoder, M, 2015.) The type of surgery the patient is having also affects the risk. Complications include, but are not limited to, pneumonia, bronchospasm, respiratory failure and prolonged mechanical ventilation. The development of such complications negatively affects the expected outcomes for patients. “The basic mechanism of PPCs is a lack of lung inflation that occurs because of a change in breathing to a shallow, monotonous breathing pattern without periodic sighs, prolonged recumbent positioning and temporary diaphragmatic dysfunction. Mucociliary clearance along with the decreased cough effectiveness, increases risks associated with retained pulmonary secretions, “ (Overend, T., Anderson, C., Lucy, S., Bhatia, C., Jonsson, B., & Timmermans, C., 2001). Currently,

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