Influence of Postanesthetic Suggestion on Prevention of Postoperative Pulmonary Complications

¹ Medical-Surgical Nursing at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Three procedures for teaching coughing and deep breathing exercises were tested to isolate that procedure which would lower the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications. Fifty-two subjects divided into three groups were taught an identical format of coughing and deep breathing exercises. The first two groups were taught preoperatively while fully alert. The third was taught only during level three of recovery from anesthesia. In addition to the teaching format, the second group received a positive suggestion during level three of recovery from anesthesia. While no statistically significant differences were found among the three groups, subjects in group three, taught solely in level three of recovery, performed just as well as subjects taught preoperatively in a fully conscious state. These findings greatly expand the opportunities for the health care team to assist patients to perform those tasks necessary to promote recovery from major surgery.