Breathing Interventions for Postoperative Breast Surgery Patients

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of pranayama and pursed-lip breathing exercises on postoperative pain, anxiety, and vital signs in patients undergoing breast surgery. Postoperative pain and anxiety are common problems that can negatively affect recovery, physiological stability, and overall well-being. Non-pharmacological interventions such as breathing exercises may help reduce these adverse outcomes and support recovery. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a pranayama breathing exercise group, a pursed-lip breathing exercise group, or a control group receiving routine postoperative care. Breathing exercises will be performed three times daily for five minutes. Outcomes including pain, anxiety, and vital signs will be measured at baseline (pretest), postoperative day 1, and postoperative day 2. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence on the effectiveness of breathing exercises as supportive nursing interventions in the postoperative care of breast surgery patients.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years and older * Able to communicate effectively * Patients undergoing elective surgery for the first time, including radical mastectomy, modified radical mastectomy, or simple mastectomy Exclusion Criteria: * Patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery * Patients who develop any postoperative complications, such as bleeding or anesthesia-related complications * Individuals with cognitive or mental impairments * Patients who wish to withdraw from the study at any stage * Patients with hearing or speech impairments * Patients with a psychiatric diagnosis or those using psychiatric medications * Patients unable to comply with breathing exercises