Purpose: This study aimed to develop an evidence-based nursing practice guideline for preventing postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). Methods: The guideline adaptation process was conducted through the 24 steps based on the guideline adaptation manual of Korean Hospital Nurses Association. Results: The newly developed guideline to prevent PPCs consisted of four domains and 30 recommendations. The number of recommendations in each domain was 7 for assessment of PPCs, 17 for nursing interventions to prevent PPCs after general anesthesia, 4 for education (intended for patients and medical staff), and 2 for monitoring and recording. Conclusion: The developed guidelines will contribute in standardization of nursing practice and PPCs prevention and management. We recommend the dissemination and utilization of these guidelines nationwide to improve the quality of postoperative pulmonary complication prevention.