risk factors
Last reviewed 01/2018
Risk factors include factors based in the lungs, such as:
- underlying chest disease:
- chronic obstructive airways disease
- bronchiectasis
- industrial lung disease
- asthma
- risk activities such as heavy smoking
Also included are factors that are likely to influence mobilisation post-operatively, such as:
- the type of operation, especially large abdominal wounds which make the patient reluctant to take deep breaths and cough
- poor mobility due to stroke
- obesity