What is a common risk associated with poor postoperative pain control?

Poor postoperative pain control can significantly hinder a patient's recovery and overall outcomes. Effective pain management is crucial for facilitating mobility, allowing patients to engage in rehabilitation activities, and promoting their return to baseline function. When pain control is inadequate, patients may avoid movement to prevent discomfort, leading to reduced mobility. This immobility can increase the risk of various complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and other postoperative issues, which ultimately prolong the recovery process.

Additionally, poor pain management is linked to increased anxiety and stress, which can negatively affect a patient's mental health and perception of their overall care experience. Therefore, ensuring adequate pain control not only promotes better physical outcomes by encouraging movement and participation in recovery but also aims to reduce the complication rates associated with surgical procedures. Thus, the association of poor postoperative pain control with poor mobility and increased complication rates highlights the importance of proactive pain management strategies in the postoperative setting.