What should a nurse do when caring for a patient with a high risk of hemorrhage after surgery?

Monitoring vital signs closely is crucial when caring for a patient with a high risk of hemorrhage after surgery. Vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate can provide early indicators of internal bleeding or changes in the patient’s hemodynamic status. For example, a drop in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate may signal that the patient is losing blood. By closely observing these parameters, the nurse can detect any complications early and intervene appropriately, potentially saving the patient's life.

While encouraging ambulation, increasing fluid intake, and providing distraction techniques may have their own benefits in different contexts, they do not directly address the immediate and critical concern of monitoring for signs of hemorrhage. Early intervention is essential in managing potential bleeding complications, making vigilant monitoring the priority in this scenario.