How can a nurse assess a patient’s readiness for discharge after surgery?

• A. By evaluating their vital signs, pain management, and ability to follow discharge instructions
• B. By checking the patient's surgical site appearance alone
• C. By obtaining an overall health history from the patient
• D. By monitoring the patient's family member's understanding of post-surgical care

Answer: (A)

A comprehensive approach to assessing a patient's readiness for discharge after surgery is crucial to ensure their safety and recovery. Evaluating vital signs is essential as they indicate the patient's physiological stability, reflecting their overall health status after the procedure. Pain management is equally important because effective control of postoperative pain can significantly impact the patient's mobility and ability to engage in self-care activities at home.

Additionally, assessing the patient’s ability to understand and follow discharge instructions is vital. This ensures that they are well-informed about their postoperative care, including medication compliance, activity restrictions, and signs of potential complications that would necessitate a return to the hospital. Overall, this multi-faceted assessment helps in determining whether the patient is prepared to manage their recovery effectively outside of the clinical setting, thus supporting a safe transition from hospitalization to home care.