Ace the Certified Medical-Surgical RN Exam 2025 – Power Up Your Nursing Game!

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a well-known complication that can arise from immobility in surgical patients. When patients are immobile, particularly following surgery, there is a reduction in blood flow, especially in the lower extremities. This stagnation of blood can lead to the formation of clots within the deep veins of the legs.

Surgical patients are often at increased risk due to factors such as anesthesia, which can affect blood circulation, and the nature of the surgery itself, which may necessitate prolonged periods of immobility. It is essential to implement preventative measures, such as early ambulation and the use of compression devices or anticoagulant therapy, to reduce the risk of DVT in these patients.

Pneumonia, wound infection, and hypotension are indeed potential complications in surgical patients, but they are associated with different factors related to immobility or postoperative care. Pneumonia is more linked to inadequate ventilation and airway clearance due to immobility, while wound infections relate to surgical technique and wound care. Hypotension can occur post-surgically due to various reasons, including blood loss or fluid shifts, but it is not as directly associated with immobility as DVT is.