Type of Exercise General Description Indication/Purpose Client’s response Nursing Responsibility
Ambulation Ambulation, or walking, is a Encouraging new mothers to - The client Prior:
vital aspect of postoperative ambulate gently and gradually independently walks
care for new mothers aids in pain management by on her own to reduce - Assess the client’s
recovering from a cesarean promoting circulation and the pain in her stitch. overall health status,
section (C-section). Following releasing natural pain- including vital signs,
a C-section, ambulation serves relieving hormones. It also - The procedure is done level of pain, and any
multiple purposes in helps prevent complications in a careful manner in specific concerns or
facilitating recovery and such as blood clots and order to lessen the limitations that may
promoting overall well-being. pneumonia by improving pain. affect her ability to
blood flow and respiratory ambulate safely.
function. Furthermore, - Explain the purpose of
ambulation supports the the procedure.
healing process by promoting During:
tissue repair and reducing the - Assess the client’s
risk of postoperative pain level.
complications. - Monitor the client’s
response towards the
procedure, including
vital signs, pain level,
and any signs of
distress and difficulty.
After:
- Document the
patient’s response to
ambulation, including
changes in vital signs,
pain assessment, and
the distance or
duration of ambulation
achieved.
Type of Exercise General Description Indication/Purpose Client’s response Nursing Responsibility
A breathing technique called It can be a helpful tool in - This helps the patient to Prior:
Diaphragmatic breathing diaphragmatic breathing managing and relieving pain. calm and relaxes her body.
works the diaphragm, an While it may not eliminate - Explain to the patient and
important muscle that allows pain entirely, it can contribute - This helps to ease the pain mother the procedure of
breathing to a sense of relaxation and on her incision site. the exercise and gain
help reduce the perception of consent.
pain.
- Obtain patient’s vital
signs.
- Established rapport and
trusting relationship with
the patient and mother.
- Ensure a safe environment
for the patient.
- Assist the patient in
comfortable position.
During:
- Aid in providing health
teaching in regard to the
process of healing.
- Assist with health
education about adapting
to new life situations, not
just physically but
holistically.
- Advise patient and mother
to notify and report
immediately any
discomfort.
- Observe any pain or
discomfort.
- Be aware of non-verbal
cues.
- Assist the patient in the
exercise and do not put
too much pressure to do it.
After:
- Monitor patient’s progress
and response to the
exercise.
- Assist the patient in a
comfortable position.
- Obtain patient vital signs.
- Document and record all
the intervention done.
Reference:
Engel, O., Herzberger, E. H., Yagur, Y., Klement, A. H., Fishman, A., Constantini, N., & Shental, T. B. (2021). Walking to a better future? Postoperative ambulation after cesarean
delivery and complications: A prospective study. International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 157(2), 391–396. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.13815
Johnson, J. (2023, February 9). What to know about diaphragmatic breathing. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/diaphragmatic-breathing#summary
