A nurse is providing preoperative teaching to a patient who will soon undergo a cardiac bypass. The nurses teaching plan includes exercises of the extremities. What is the purpose of teaching a patient leg exercises prior to surgery?

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Exercise of the extremities includes extension and flexion of the knee and hip joints (similar to bicycle riding while lying on the side) unless contraindicated by type of surgical procedure (e.g., hip replacement). When the patient does leg exercises postoperatively, circulation is increased, which helps to prevent blood clots from forming. Leg exercises do not prevent pressure sores to the sacrum, or increase the patients level of consciousness. Leg exercises have the potential to increase strength and mobility, but are unlikely to make a change to muscle mass in the short term.

A Nurse Is Providing Preoperative Teaching to a Patient Who