What should a post-operative nurse assess during the recovery phase?

During the recovery phase, the primary focus for a post-operative nurse is to assess the patient's overall vital signs and comfort level. Monitoring vital signs—such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature—provides crucial information about the patient's stability and response to surgery, anesthesia, and any potential complications that may arise. Evaluating the patient's comfort level is equally important as it can help identify pain management needs and ensure the patient is recovering adequately.

In a post-operative context, while attention to the surgical site is necessary, it is not the only aspect that needs evaluation. Comprehensive assessments that include vital signs and comfort extend beyond the surgical area and are essential for ensuring the patient's holistic well-being.

While dietary choices might be relevant at a later stage of recovery, they are not typically the primary focus immediately following surgery. Additionally, assessing the patient's ability to walk may occur later in recovery but is not as critical in the immediate post-operative phase as overall vital signs and comfort. Thus, focusing on the patient's vital signs and comfort level is the most appropriate and comprehensive approach in the recovery phase.