After major surgery, which sign should a nurse monitor closely in patients at risk for pulmonary complications?

Monitoring the increased respiratory rate is crucial in patients at risk for pulmonary complications following major surgery. An elevated respiratory rate can indicate several issues, including compromised lung function, pain, or anxiety that affects the patient's ability to take deep breaths. After surgery, particularly when the patient has been under anesthesia, the lungs may have decreased capacity or efficiency due to pooling of secretions or atelectasis (lung collapse).

An increased respiratory rate could be a compensatory mechanism in response to hypoxemia (low oxygen levels), signaling that the patient may not be adequately oxygenated. It can also reflect the body’s effort to maintain normal oxygenation when the respiratory system is challenged. Close monitoring allows healthcare providers to intervene early, potentially preventing more severe complications such as pneumonia or respiratory failure.

While other signs like bradycardia, elevated blood pressure, and fluid overload can be important in postoperative care, they are not as directly indicative of pulmonary complications. Bradycardia could relate to vagal responses or medication effects rather than lung function. Elevated blood pressure might signify stress or pain but does not specifically indicate pulmonary issues. Fluid overload is a concern for cardiac function but does not directly correlate with monitoring for respiratory distress like an increased respiratory rate does. Therefore, focusing on the