Which of the following is a common postoperative symptom that requires assessment?

Nausea and vomiting are common postoperative symptoms that often require careful assessment. These symptoms can indicate a variety of issues, such as the effects of anesthesia, the body's reaction to pain management medications, or complications related to the surgical procedure itself. It's important to assess nausea and vomiting because they can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and increased discomfort for the patient.

Monitoring these symptoms allows healthcare providers to intervene effectively by providing antiemetic medications, adjusting pain management strategies, or addressing underlying causes. In contrast, while fatigue, increased appetite, and headache may also occur postoperatively, they are generally less critical signs that do not require as immediate or thorough an assessment as nausea and vomiting, which can pose more serious risks if left unaddressed.