The client has recovered from surgery and is ready to be discharged. Highlight findings that indicate the client is stable and ready to be discharged. The client returned from appendectomy surgery last night at approximately 2100. The client was admitted for observation due to a delay in waking from anesthesia. The client is currently resting in bed. The incision dressing is dry and intact, and no bleeding is noted. The client tolerated clear liquids post recovery and has advanced to a soft diet. The client ambulated around the unit this morning and tolerated activity well. Bowel sounds are present in all 4 quadrants, and per client report, she has passed flatus. Pain is tolerated with analgesia PО.

Rationale for correct choices The incision dressing is dry and intact, and no bleeding is noted: A clean, dry, and intact surgical dressing indicates proper wound healing and absence of postoperative bleeding or infection. Lack of drainage or bleeding suggests the surgical site is stable. Monitoring incision integrity is essential before discharge following abdominal surgery. These findings demonstrate that the wound is healing appropriately and does not require acute intervention. The client tolerated clear liquids post recovery and has advanced to a soft diet: Tolerance of oral intake after abdominal surgery indicates that gastrointestinal function is returning to normal. Advancement from clear liquids to a soft diet suggests the digestive system is functioning without nausea, vomiting, or intolerance. Adequate nutrition and hydration are important indicators of recovery. The client ambulated around the unit this morning and tolerated activity well: Early ambulation after surgery helps prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pneumonia, and delayed bowel recovery. Being able to walk without significant pain, dizziness, or weakness shows improved physical stability. Mobility also indicates that anesthesia effects have resolved. Tolerating activity demonstrates functional readiness for discharge. Bowel sounds are present in all 4 quadrants, and per client report, she has passed flatus: The return of bowel sounds and passage of flatus indicate restoration of normal gastrointestinal motility after anesthesia and abdominal surgery. This confirms that postoperative ileus is not present. Normal bowel function is an important discharge criterion following abdominal procedures. These findings suggest the digestive system is functioning appropriately. Pain is tolerated with analgesia PO: Pain that can be effectively managed with oral medication indicates that the client no longer requires intravenous analgesics. Adequate pain control allows the client to move, eat, and perform self-care activities. Transitioning to oral medication is a common step before discharge. This demonstrates the client can manage pain safely at home. Rationale for incorrect choice The client was admitted for observation due to a delay in waking from anesthesia: While this explains the reason for hospital observation, it does not provide evidence about the client’s current recovery status. Discharge readiness is determined by present clinical stability such as normal vital signs, adequate pain control, return of bowel function, and ability to tolerate diet and ambulate. Therefore, this is not a current indicator of stability for discharge.