Patient Learning
Preventing pneumonia after surgery
Pneumonia is currently one of the most common infections after surgery. This is referred to as postoperative pneumonia. Preventing pneumonia can help prevent you from getting very sick and help you recover faster. It can also help prevent problems after surgery caused by pneumonia. This video highlights what you can do to prevent pneumonia after surgery.
What you'll learn
- What is postoperative pneumonia
- What are the symptoms of pneumonia
- Six important steps to prevent pneumonia after surgery
- How to use an incentive spirometer
Explore this video
Click on timestamp to jump to a video chapter
- 00:04: What is pneumonia?
- 01:00: Who is at risk?
- 01:36: What are the symptoms?
- 02:04: Why is it important to prevent pneumonia after surgery?
- 02:35: How does one prevent pneumonia after surgery?
- 03:09: Using an incentive spirometer
- 04:14: Practicing safe coughing and deep breathing
- 05:05: Maintaining good oral hygiene
- 05:45: Elevating head of the bed
- 06:19: Getting up and walking
- 07:01: Play an active role
Additional Resources
Search the UHN brochure website at www.uhnpatienteducation.ca:
Cleaning Your Mouth During Your Stay in Hospital
Your Guide to Managing Pneumonia
My Surgery: An Information Guide and Personal-Care Tool
ICOUGH program by Boston Medical Center
