What is a significant sign of potential complications in postoperative care?

Abnormal vital signs serve as a significant indicator of potential complications in postoperative care. After surgery, monitoring vital signs is crucial because changes can signal issues such as infection, hemorrhage, respiratory distress, or adverse reactions to anesthesia.

Stable vital signs indicate that the patient is likely recovering well, as it shows that physiological functions are within normal limits. Patient compliance, although important for recovery, does not directly indicate the physiological state of the patient postoperatively. Expected pain levels are also relevant, as pain management is a key component of postoperative care, but they are not typically considered a direct sign of complications. Therefore, recognizing and responding to abnormal vital signs is vital to ensuring prompt intervention and preventing further complications in the postoperative setting.