What should the nurse do if a patient exhibits signs of dehydration postoperatively?

The correct approach in this scenario is to increase fluid intake and monitor the patient closely. Postoperative patients may experience dehydration due to factors such as inadequate fluid intake, ongoing losses through vomiting or drainage, and the effects of anesthesia. By encouraging increased fluid intake, the nurse helps to restore hydration levels, which is vital for recovery and healing.

Monitoring the patient closely allows the nurse to assess the effectiveness of the interventions and to identify any further complications that may arise, ensuring timely responses to changes in the patient's condition. This proactive approach is essential to support the patient's postoperative recovery and prevent further complications associated with dehydration.

Other options could hinder recovery. Restricting all fluids would exacerbate dehydration, while encouraging high sugar drinks might not provide adequate hydration and could lead to additional complications. Limiting physical activity alone does not address the underlying issue of dehydration, which needs to be prioritized in management.