What nursing intervention is appropriate to prevent dehiscence in an obese client post-abdominal surgery?

Maintaining bedrest with the knees flexed is an appropriate nursing intervention to help prevent dehiscence in an obese client who has undergone abdominal surgery. This position reduces tension on the abdominal incision, which can be especially beneficial for clients at higher risk for complications due to obesity. When knees are flexed, abdominal pressure is alleviated, thereby minimizing the strain on the incision site during movement, coughing, or straining. This helps support the healing process and protects the integrity of the surgical wound.

While identifying the risk for impaired tissue integrity, setting a timeline for wound healing, and providing education on wound care are all important aspects of post-operative care, they do not directly contribute to physically preventing the mechanical factors that can lead to dehiscence. Each of these actions plays a supportive role in overall patient management but does not provide the specific intervention that directly reduces strain on the surgical site as effectively as maintaining a position that supports the abdomen.