Page 489 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

Hip and knee movements: Instruct the client to flex the knee and thigh and to
straighten the leg, holding the position for 5 seconds before lowering (not
performed if the client is having abdominal surgery or if the client has a back
problem).

Splinting the Incision

If the surgical incision is abdominal or thoracic, instruct the client to place a
pillow, or 1 hand with the other hand on top, over the incisional area.
During deep breathing and coughing, the client presses gently against the
incisional area to splint or support it.

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