Postoperative Care

the recovery from major surgery can be divided into three phases
1. An immediate or postanesthetic phases
2. An intermediate phase, encompassing the hospitalization period
3. A convalescent phase

An immediate post operative period
A. Monitoring
1. Vital signs
2. Central venous pressure
3. Fluid balance
4. Other types of monitoring
B. Respiratory care
C. Mobilization and position in bed
D. Diet
E. Administration of fluid and electrolytes
F. Drainage tubes
G. Medications
H. Laboratory examinations and imaging

The intermediate postoperative period
A. Care of wound
B. Management of drains
C. Pulmonary care
D. Fluid and electrolyte management
E. Gastrointestinal tract care
F. Pain