Question: The nurse is preparing to care for a patient who has just returned from major abdominal surgery. Which intervention by the nurse in the immediate postoperative period would help prevent cardiovascular complications? Encourage the patient to restrict the movement of the legs. Assist the patient in turning, coughing, and deep breathing. Encourage the patient to get out of bed as soon as possible. Place sequential compression devices (SCDs) on the patient's legs. Looking for Online Tutoring?