What might indicate that a patient has not been adequately managed for postoperative pain?

Increased blood pressure can be a significant indicator that a patient is not adequately managing postoperative pain. When a patient is in pain, their body enters a stress response that can lead to elevated blood pressure, among other physiological changes. This response may be due to the release of stress hormones, such as adrenaline, which can temporarily increase heart rate and blood pressure.

Monitoring vital signs, including blood pressure, is a critical component of postoperative care. Health care providers look for indicators of pain as part of their assessment. If a patient's blood pressure is elevated, it may suggest that they are experiencing distress or discomfort, indicating the need for better pain management strategies.

The other options reflect different aspects of postoperative recovery. Frequent deep breaths might suggest that a patient is trying to alleviate discomfort or prevent complications such as atelectasis. A patient’s ability to rest generally indicates adequate pain control, as effective management typically allows for better relaxation. Willingness to ambulate, similarly, suggests that a patient feels well enough to move and may not be experiencing significant pain. Therefore, an increase in blood pressure serves as a more direct indicator of inadequate pain management in this context.