Journal of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University (Jan 2014)
Effect of Planned Early Recommended Ambulation Technique on Selected Post caesarean Biophysiological Health Parameters
Abstract
Background: Caesarean section has been a part of human culture since ancient times. It has been used effectively throughout the 20th century and among the major abdominal surgeries, it is the most common, oldest worldwide surgery performed in obstetrics. Despite the life saving advantages, there are several adverse consequences of caesarean delivery for a woman and to her household. The rate and risk of these complications increases due to the increasing incidence mainly in countries like India. The role of nurse midwife is to act in the best interest of patient and newborn and make the patient independent in carrying out the activities of daily living as soon as possible. This can lead to a faster recovery and shorter hospital stay. Also it can indirectly help in reducing the complications associated with prolonged bed rest and can improve the maternal newborn bonding. Aim and Objectives: The present study was done to evaluate the effect of planned early ambulation on selected biophysiological health parameters of post caesarean patients. Material and Methods: The study included total 500 study subjects, 250 in experimental and 250 in control group. Quasi experimental approach with multiple time series design was adopted for the study. The experimental group was given an early planned recommended ambulation technique starting from the day of surgery. This consisted of deep breathing exercise, cough exercise, leg exercise and early mobilization. Over and above, the routine general health care was given by the doctors and nurses. The control group received only by routine general care by doctors and nurses and mobilization on third post operative day as per strategy adopted by the hospital. The deep breathing exercises, coughing exercises and leg exercises were not given routinely and hence were not given to the control group. Post caesarean biophysiological parameters chart was used to assess the selected parameters for first five post operative days. Result: The significant findings of the study were that there was a significant difference in the proportions of normal observations of selected biophysiological health parameters like incisional pain, condition of breast, condition of abdomen and peristaltic movements of experimental group as compared to that of control group. All these parameters improved significant during first five post caesarean days at 0.05 level of significance. Thus the alternative hypothesis was accepted and null hypothesis was rejected. From the present study it could be concluded that the early planned ambulation is an effective strategy for post operative management of caesarean patient. It can help in avoiding morbidity and can enhance the early recovery of the patient.
