Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

What is the primary nursing action for a patient who has just undergone a surgical procedure?

1. Encourage deep breathing exercises

2. Instruct on diet restrictions

3. Ensure patient is hydrated properly

4. Monitor vital signs closely

The correct answer is: Monitor vital signs closely

The primary nursing action for a patient who has just undergone a surgical procedure is to monitor vital signs closely. This step is crucial because it allows the nurse to assess the patient's immediate postoperative status and detect any potential complications early. Vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, provide valuable information about the patient’s condition and can indicate issues such as bleeding, infection, or adverse reactions to anesthesia. While encouraging deep breathing exercises, instructing on diet restrictions, and ensuring hydration are also important aspects of postoperative care, they are secondary to the immediate need for ongoing assessment of the patient’s vital signs. This close monitoring serves as a foundation for safe recovery and helps ensure that any deviations from expected parameters are recognized and addressed promptly.