Which of the following is a postoperative complication that an orthopedic nurse should monitor for?

Infection at the surgical site is a critical postoperative complication that an orthopedic nurse should monitor for. After any surgical procedure, particularly orthopedic surgeries, there is a heightened risk of infection due to factors such as surgical trauma and the potential for exposure to pathogens. Infections can lead to serious consequences, including increased hospitalization duration, further surgical interventions, and even compromised limb function.

Orthopedic nurses play a vital role in recognizing early signs of infection, which may include redness, swelling, warmth around the surgical site, fever, and purulent drainage. Monitoring these symptoms closely allows for timely intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes for the patient.

Other postoperative complications, while important to monitor, do not carry the same immediate risk as infections following surgery. Joint stiffness can develop but is often part of the normal recovery process. Severe headaches may arise from various factors, particularly if the patient has received anesthesia but may not be specific to orthopedic procedures. Electrolyte imbalances can occur due to various reasons post-surgery, including fluid loss or medications, but again, they are not as directly tied to the surgical site as infections are. Therefore, vigilance for infections remains paramount in the orthopedic postoperative care journey.