Which post-operative action helps prevent urinary complications?

Repositioning and turning patients post-operatively is essential for preventing urinary complications such as urinary retention and urinary tract infections. When a patient is immobilized or remains in one position for extended periods after surgery, it can lead to reduced bladder function and inadequate voiding.

By regularly changing a patient's position, you promote normal bladder function and facilitate urinary flow. This action helps stimulate the urge to urinate and ensures that the bladder is emptied properly. Additionally, movement can reduce the risk of complications like pressure ulcers and pneumonia, contributing to the overall recovery process.

The other options, while beneficial in their own right, do not directly address urinary function. Increased dietary fiber primarily aids in bowel function, which is important but does not directly prevent urinary complications. Administering blood thinners is relevant for preventing thromboembolic events rather than urinary issues, and encouraging deep breathing is more focused on respiratory function. Thus, repositioning and turning is the most effective action for preventing urinary complications in a post-operative setting.