What is the nurse's priority assessment post-operative, after an abdominal surgery?

Following abdominal surgery, the priority assessment for the nurse is to monitor for signs of bleeding and infection. This is crucial because these complications can be life-threatening and may require immediate intervention. After surgery, the patient is at risk for internal bleeding due to possible damage to blood vessels or surgical errors, and prompt recognition is vital to prevent significant blood loss and the associated consequences.

In addition, the risk of infection is elevated due to the surgical incision and manipulation of internal organs. Monitoring vital signs, looking for changes in the incision site, and assessing the patient's overall condition are essential components of this assessment. Early detection of either of these issues allows for timely treatment, which can significantly improve patient outcomes.

While assessing for pain relief, encouraging ambulation, and checking bowel sounds are important aspects of post-operative care, they do not take precedence over the immediate need to identify bleeding or signs of infection. Recognizing and addressing these critical issues first can help stabilize the patient's condition and ensure a safer recovery process.