The nurse is caring for the client the morning after her surgery. Click to select the 5 most important nursing interventions for postoperative client care.

A. Use incentive spirometer every 1 hour: Postoperative clients are at risk for atelectasis and pneumonia due to shallow breathing and immobility. Encouraging the use of an incentive spirometer hourly promotes lung expansion, improves oxygenation, and helps prevent pulmonary complications, which is critical in the first 24 hours after abdominal surgery. B. Encourage sitting up and ambulation: Early mobilization helps prevent postoperative complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and constipation. Sitting up also improves diaphragmatic movement and lung expansion, while ambulation promotes circulation and accelerates recovery, making it a high-priority nursing intervention. C. Complete neurologic assessment every 2 hours: Frequent neurologic checks are more relevant for clients who have undergone neurological surgery, have central nervous system involvement, or are at risk for sedation-related complications. While important, it is not a primary intervention for a routine appendectomy postoperative client without neurological concerns. D. Administer pain medication before activity: Preemptive pain management prior to activity or ambulation helps the client participate safely in mobility and deep breathing exercises, reducing risk of immobility-related complications. Timely analgesia also supports comfort, improves recovery, and allows the client to engage in necessary postoperative interventions. E. Promote adequate hydration: Maintaining hydration postoperatively is essential for electrolyte balance, kidney function, and wound healing. Adequate IV fluids or oral intake as tolerated supports tissue perfusion, prevents urinary retention, and assists in the clearance of anesthesia and medications, which is critical in the immediate postoperative period. F. Monitor for bleeding once daily: Postoperative bleeding can be life-threatening and requires more frequent assessment than once daily. Vital signs, dressing checks, and abdominal assessments should be performed multiple times per shift in the immediate postoperative period to ensure early detection of hemorrhage. G. Assess for sedation after pain medications: Opioid analgesics such as morphine can cause sedation and respiratory depression. Monitoring the client’s level of consciousness and respiratory status after administration ensures safety and allows prompt intervention if adverse effects occur, making this a high-priority nursing action.