During the post-operative period, how often should a patient breathe deeply after craniotomy?

Deep breathing is a crucial aspect of post-operative care, particularly after a craniotomy, to promote lung expansion, prevent atelectasis, and encourage adequate oxygenation. The recommendation for patients to breathe deeply every hour reflects the need for consistent practice to maintain lung health and support recovery following surgery. This interval allows for frequent activity that encourages recruitment of all areas of the lungs, particularly important after a procedure that may involve alterations in consciousness, mobility, or discomfort.

Infrequent deep breathing, such as every two or four hours, can lead to complications, including reduced lung capacity and increased risk for respiratory issues, particularly in a post-surgical setting where patients may already have reduced respiratory function due to sedation or pain. Therefore, the expectation for hourly deep breathing exercises aligns with best practices in nursing care and respiratory therapy to ensure patients maintain optimal respiratory function as they recover.