The Importance of Early Mobilization in Postoperative Pain Management

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 40 views

Management of Nursing Care in Post-Laparotomy Patients with the Application of Early Mobilization to the Characteristics of Pain in the University of North Sumatra, Medan

Introduction

Patients undergoing laparotomy surgery often experience significant postoperative pain, which is the body's reaction to tissue damage caused by surgical incisions and various other factors. One of the causes of increasing pain intensity after surgery is the lack of early mobilization. Early mobilization can increase blood circulation, including circulation in the surgical wound area, which in turn can reduce chemical mediator activity in the inflammatory process, thereby reducing the intensity of pain. Therefore, effective pain management techniques are needed. One of the non-pharmacological therapy approaches to deal with postoperative pain is early mobilization.

The Importance of Early Mobilization in Postoperative Pain Management

Early mobilization is a crucial aspect of postoperative care, as it not only reduces pain intensity but also prevents further complications such as deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pneumonia. Patients who are more active are at a lower risk of these complications, as movement helps improve blood circulation and maintain lung capacity. From the point of view of nursing, the application of early mobilization also reflects a holistic approach in pain management. Nurses must have sufficient knowledge about safe and effective mobilization techniques, and be able to provide emotional encouragement and support to patients during the recovery process.

The Application of Early Mobilization in Post-Laparotomy Patients

This study aims to carry out nursing care by applying early mobilization exercises to reduce the intensity of pain in postoperative patients. To assess the characteristics of pain, the PQRST assessment method and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scale measuring device are used. This research was conducted in the Mahogany-Manti-Selanti Inpatient Room at the University of North Sumatra Hospital. Early mobilization is given to three post-laparotomy patients who experience pain, and are carried out for three days. The results of the application of early mobilization showed a significant decrease on the pain intensity scale. In addition, patients are also able to carry out daily activities (ADL) independently, such as sitting in bed and doing a tilted right and left position. This ability contributes to the acceleration of the patient's healing process.

The Role of Nursing in Early Mobilization

Nurses play a crucial role in the implementation of early mobilization protocols in hospitals. They must have sufficient knowledge about safe and effective mobilization techniques, and be able to provide emotional encouragement and support to patients during the recovery process. Nurses must also be able to collaborate with other medical teams, such as doctors and physiotherapists, to design a rehabilitation plan that is appropriate for each patient, taking into account their medical conditions and individual needs.

The Benefits of Early Mobilization

The benefits of early mobilization in postoperative pain management are numerous. It not only reduces pain intensity but also prevents further complications such as DVT and pneumonia. Patients who are more active are at a lower risk of these complications, as movement helps improve blood circulation and maintain lung capacity. Early mobilization also accelerates the patient's healing process, as patients are able to carry out daily activities independently.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the application of early mobilization in post-laparotomy patients is a crucial aspect of postoperative care. It not only reduces pain intensity but also prevents further complications such as DVT and pneumonia. Nurses play a crucial role in the implementation of early mobilization protocols in hospitals, and must have sufficient knowledge about safe and effective mobilization techniques. Further research on different mobilization techniques and approaches can help increase the effectiveness of recovery programs in various hospitals in Indonesia.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Early mobilization should be implemented as a standard practice in postoperative care.
Nurses should receive training on safe and effective mobilization techniques.
Collaboration between medical teams, such as doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists, is essential in designing a rehabilitation plan that is appropriate for each patient.
Further research on different mobilization techniques and approaches can help increase the effectiveness of recovery programs in various hospitals in Indonesia.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size is small, and further research is needed to confirm the findings of this study. Secondly, the study only focuses on post-laparotomy patients, and further research is needed to explore the application of early mobilization in other types of surgery. Finally, the study only assesses the characteristics of pain using the PQRST assessment method and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scale measuring device, and further research is needed to explore other methods of assessing pain.

Future Directions

Future research should focus on exploring different mobilization techniques and approaches, and their effectiveness in reducing pain intensity and preventing further complications. Additionally, further research is needed to explore the application of early mobilization in other types of surgery, and to assess the characteristics of pain using other methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Management of Nursing Care in Post-Laparotomy Patients with the Application of Early Mobilization

Q: What is the purpose of early mobilization in postoperative care?

A: The purpose of early mobilization in postoperative care is to reduce pain intensity, prevent further complications such as deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pneumonia, and accelerate the patient's healing process.

Q: How does early mobilization reduce pain intensity?

A: Early mobilization reduces pain intensity by increasing blood circulation, including circulation in the surgical wound area, which in turn reduces chemical mediator activity in the inflammatory process.

Q: What are the benefits of early mobilization in postoperative care?

A: The benefits of early mobilization in postoperative care include reduced pain intensity, prevention of further complications such as DVT and pneumonia, and acceleration of the patient's healing process.

Q: What is the role of nursing in early mobilization?

A: Nurses play a crucial role in the implementation of early mobilization protocols in hospitals. They must have sufficient knowledge about safe and effective mobilization techniques, and be able to provide emotional encouragement and support to patients during the recovery process.

Q: How can nurses ensure safe and effective mobilization techniques?

A: Nurses can ensure safe and effective mobilization techniques by receiving training on safe and effective mobilization techniques, and by collaborating with other medical teams, such as doctors and physiotherapists, to design a rehabilitation plan that is appropriate for each patient.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include a small sample size, and the study only focuses on post-laparotomy patients. Further research is needed to confirm the findings of this study and to explore the application of early mobilization in other types of surgery.

Q: What are the future directions for research on early mobilization?

A: Future research should focus on exploring different mobilization techniques and approaches, and their effectiveness in reducing pain intensity and preventing further complications. Additionally, further research is needed to explore the application of early mobilization in other types of surgery, and to assess the characteristics of pain using other methods.

Q: How can hospitals implement early mobilization protocols?

A: Hospitals can implement early mobilization protocols by providing training to nurses on safe and effective mobilization techniques, and by collaborating with other medical teams, such as doctors and physiotherapists, to design a rehabilitation plan that is appropriate for each patient.

Q: What are the benefits of early mobilization for patients?

A: The benefits of early mobilization for patients include reduced pain intensity, prevention of further complications such as DVT and pneumonia, and acceleration of the patient's healing process.

Q: How can patients participate in early mobilization?

A: Patients can participate in early mobilization by following the instructions of their healthcare team, and by being active and engaged in their recovery process.

Q: What are the potential risks of early mobilization?

A: The potential risks of early mobilization include injury to the patient, or exacerbation of existing medical conditions. However, these risks can be minimized by providing proper training to nurses and other healthcare professionals, and by ensuring that patients are properly assessed and prepared for mobilization.

Q: How can healthcare teams ensure that patients are properly assessed and prepared for mobilization?

A: Healthcare teams can ensure that patients are properly assessed and prepared for mobilization by conducting a thorough assessment of the patient's medical condition, and by providing education and training to the patient on safe and effective mobilization techniques.