Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

What should a nurse monitor closely in a post-operative patient to prevent complications?

1. Vital signs and signs of infection

2. Blood sugar levels

3. Fluid intake only

4. Patient's mobility

The correct answer is: Vital signs and signs of infection

Monitoring vital signs and signs of infection in a post-operative patient is crucial for several reasons. Vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and respiratory rate, can provide immediate information about the patient's hemodynamic status and respiratory function. Significant changes in these parameters may indicate complications such as hemorrhage, shock, or respiratory distress, which require prompt intervention. In addition to vital signs, observing for signs of infection is essential in the post-operative period. Surgical sites are susceptible to infection due to tissue disruption during the procedure, and early detection of infection can prevent worsening conditions, prolonged hospitalization, and additional interventions. Signs such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge from the surgical site, along with systemic symptoms like fever and chills, should be monitored closely. While monitoring blood sugar levels is important for patients with diabetes or those at risk of hyperglycemia, it is not as immediately critical as tracking vital signs and signs of infection in the general post-operative population. Similarly, evaluating fluid intake is important for ensuring adequate hydration and preventing complications such as urinary retention or dehydration, but it does not encompass the full scope of immediate post-operative monitoring. Patient mobility is indeed a concern to prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis, but again, it does