What is a common complication to monitor for in the PACU?

Monitoring for postoperative infections is crucial in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) because these infections can lead to serious complications and impact the patient's recovery. Following surgery, patients are at a heightened risk for infections due to factors such as altered immune responses, the presence of surgical incisions, and potential for contamination.

In the PACU, healthcare providers routinely assess vital signs, wound sites, and overall patient condition to detect any signs of infection early, such as fever, increased pain at the surgical site, or changes in wound appearance. Prompt identification and intervention are vital to prevent progression and associated complications that could delay recovery.

While other options like weight gain, increased appetite, and improved mobility may be relevant to patient recovery in a broader sense, they are not immediate complications that warrant vigilant monitoring in the PACU setting. Infections, on the other hand, can have significant implications for patient outcomes and healing processes, making them a primary focus for care in this environment.