What is one major nursing responsibility related to postoperative care?

One of the key nursing responsibilities in postoperative care is assessing for signs of infection. After surgery, patients are at an increased risk for infections due to factors such as surgical incisions, the introduction of foreign materials into the body, and the use of immunosuppressive medications.

Monitoring for signs of infection—such as redness, swelling, increased warmth at the incision site, drainage, fever, and changes in the patient's vital signs—is critical for early detection and intervention. Identifying an infection promptly can initiate further management measures, such as cultures, antibiotics, or surgical intervention if necessary, which can significantly impact patient outcomes and recovery.

Other choices, such as overseeing meal plans, while important, are not as critical to the immediate postoperative assessment phase. Encouraging extensive physical activity too soon after surgery can increase the risk of complications, and limiting fluid intake may lead to dehydration and other issues, which are generally not appropriate postoperative interventions unless specifically indicated by the patient's condition.