What is a common indication that a surgical patient requires post-operative monitoring?

Monitoring for signs of respiratory distress is critical after surgery because it can indicate potential complications such as airway obstruction, pneumonia, or inadequate ventilation. Post-operative patients often undergo anesthesia, which can temporarily impact their respiratory function. Identifying respiratory distress early allows healthcare providers to intervene promptly, ensuring patient safety and preventing further complications.

In many postoperative settings, stable vital signs and alertness are positive indicators suggesting that the patient may not require intensive monitoring. While the success of incision healing is an important aspect of recovery, it typically does not provide immediate adverse indications necessitating close observation compared to signs of respiratory distress, making it less relevant as a standalone criterion for post-operative monitoring.