The Effects of Early Ambulation and Deep Breathing Exercise on Anxiety, Pain and Physiological Parameters in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Hysterectomy

Abstract

Background: Anxiety and postoperative pain are the most common distressing adverse effects associated with abdominal hysterectomy. Providing pre-operative and postoperative instruction about early ambulation and deep breathing exercise are widely important for patient to reduce postoperative complication. Aim: To evaluate the effects of early ambulation and deep breathing exercise on anxiety, pain and physiological parameters in patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy. Design: Quai-experimental research design was utilized in this study. Setting: This study was conducted in Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Mansoura Old General Hospital affiliated to the Ministry of Health and Population. Sample: A purposive sample of 60 patients' undergone abdominal hysterectomy. The patients divided randomly into two group: study group (n=30) and the control group (n=30). Tools: It consisted of fours tools: Part I: Demographic Data and Medical Information Sheet, Part II: Physiological Data Collection Form, Part III: Numeric Pain Rating Scale and Part IV: Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. Results: There was a statistically significant decrease anxiety, pain, and enhanced physiological parameters mainly to blood pressure and oxygen saturation among patients in study group compared to the control group. Conclusion: The early ambulation and deep breathing had a positive effect in reducing anxiety and postoperative pain and enhance physiological parameters in study group compared to control group in patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy. Recommendations: The hospital authority can practice ambulation and deep breathing with all surgical patients to help in promoting patient's relaxation, enhance the post-operative recovery and enhancing tissue healing.