What is the primary focus of a preoperative teaching plan regarding coughing after surgery?

The primary focus of a preoperative teaching plan regarding coughing after surgery is to encourage patients to take three deep breaths and then cough from the chest. This method is crucial because it helps to promote lung expansion and improve respiratory function following anesthesia and surgical procedures. Deep breathing aids in preventing atelectasis (collapse of the alveoli) and clears secretions from the lungs, which is particularly important after surgery as patients may have diminished lung capacities due to pain, sedation, or immobility.

Coughing from the chest enables the forceful expulsion of mucus and other secretions that can accumulate during and after surgery. This process not only helps to maintain clear airways but also facilitates better oxygenation, contributing to a more effective recovery. Overall, the structured approach of taking deep breaths followed by a controlled cough is a targeted strategy to enhance pulmonary health postoperatively.