Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Test

Atelectasis is the most common preventable complication of abdominal surgery because it results from the collapse of alveoli in the lungs due to shallow breathing or respiratory complications. This can be prevented by early and effective pulmonary hygiene measures such as deep breathing exercises, incentive spirometry, and early ambulation postoperatively to promote lung expansion and prevent atelectasis development. The other options, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, thrombophlebitis, and urinary retention, are also common complications following abdominal surgery but may not necessarily be completely preventable in all cases. Atelectasis, on the other hand, can largely be prevented through proactive respiratory care measures.