ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Version 7ReadingEasy
A patient is given discharge instructions that include: 'Avoid heavy lifting (over 10 lbs) for the next 6 weeks.' The patient has just undergone abdominal surgery. What is the most important reason for this instruction?
- ATo reduce the risk of post-operative nausea.
- BTo prevent muscle strain in the arms.
- CTo allow incisions to heal without complications.
- DTo avoid increasing blood pressure.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. To allow incisions to heal without complications.
After abdominal surgery, the abdominal muscles and tissues are healing. Heavy lifting puts significant strain on these muscles and the surgical incision, which can lead to complications such as incision dehiscence (opening of the wound), hernia formation, or excessive pain. Allowing the incision to heal properly is the primary concern.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Post-operative nausea is typically related to anesthesia, pain medication, or early mobility, not directly to heavy lifting restrictions.
- B. While muscle strain can occur, the primary concern after abdominal surgery is the healing of the incision, not just generalized muscle strain.
- D. While heavy lifting can momentarily increase blood pressure, this is not the primary or most dangerous complication targeted by this specific post-abdominal surgery instruction.
Post-Surgical Lifting Restrictions
Instructions given after surgery to limit physical exertion, especially lifting, to prevent complications at the surgical site and promote proper healing.
- Prevents strain on surgical incisions.
- Reduces risk of dehiscence and hernia.
- Promotes optimal healing of tissues.
Memory trick: AB_HEAL: Abdomen needs Healing, don't Exert And Lift.