What is the primary goal of postoperative care?

The primary goal of postoperative care is to monitor recovery from anesthesia and surgery. This phase of care is crucial as it focuses on ensuring that the patient is stable after undergoing surgery. Monitoring includes observing vital signs, assessing the patient’s consciousness and responsiveness, and watching for any signs of complications, such as bleeding or infection.

This careful observation helps identify any issues early, ensuring prompt intervention if necessary. While managing pain levels, educating patients about home care, and scheduling follow-up appointments are important aspects of the overall recovery process, they are secondary to the immediate need for monitoring the patient's condition post-operation. The emphasis on recovery monitoring is critical as it directly impacts the patient's safety and overall outcome after surgery.