Effect of Pulmonary Care on the Occurrence of Atelectasis in Infants at the First Year of Life under Abdominal Surgeries

Surgery and general anesthesia directly affect the respiratory system. Postoperative pulmonary complications occur after upper abdominal surgery.. Breathing and chest wall physiotherapy have been used to prevent atelectasis. The study aimed to identify the methods of pulmonary care used to avoid occurrence of atelectasis in the first year of life of infant undergoing abdominal surgeries, determine effect of pulmonary care on the occurrence of atelectasis in the first year of life undergoing abdominal surgeries. The study consist of 60 infant undergoing to abdominal surgery in surgical unit at Tanta University Hospital. Five tool were used for data collection Preoperative Assessment Sheet ,Intraoperative Assessment sheet Postoperative Assessment Sheet, pulmonary Care Sheet. Pulmonary Care Evaluation Sheet. Results: their was a statistical significant difference in oxygen saturation after breathing exercise. It was observed that the highest value of oxygen saturation was in third day at fifth position and the lowest value of oxygen saturation was observed in the first day . There was a statistical significant difference in oxygen saturation after three days . It was concluded that chest physiotherapy performed in postoperative period following upper abdominal surgery improved the oxygen-hemoglobin saturation and reduced pulmonary complication. Recommendation. In service training Program should be conducted for the nurses about effect of chest physiotherapy in prevention of postoperative pulmonary complication.