How to Check Vitals After Surgery

After surgery, the immediate post-operative period is a critical time for patient recovery and monitoring. Checking vital signs is not merely a routine; it’s a dynamic assessment that provides invaluable insights into a patient’s physiological response to the surgical trauma and anesthesia. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and practical steps to effectively check vitals after surgery, ensuring timely identification of potential complications and promoting optimal recovery.

The Critical Role of Post-Operative Vital Sign Monitoring

Following a surgical procedure, the body undergoes a complex series of adjustments. Anesthesia wears off, pain medications are administered, and the body begins the healing process. During this vulnerable period, changes in vital signs can be the earliest indicators of complications such as hemorrhage, infection, respiratory depression, or cardiovascular instability. Consistent and accurate vital sign assessment allows healthcare professionals to intervene promptly, preventing escalation of issues and significantly impacting patient outcomes. It’s a continuous conversation between the patient’s physiology and the observant clinician, demanding precision, understanding, and a keen eye for subtle shifts.

Why Every Tick Matters: Understanding the “Why” Behind Vital Checks

Every vital sign — temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation — tells a unique story about the patient’s internal state. Understanding the physiological basis behind each vital sign helps in interpreting changes and anticipating potential problems. For example, a sudden drop in blood pressure might signal internal bleeding, while a rising temperature could indicate an emerging infection. It’s not just about recording numbers; it’s about interpreting their meaning within the context of the patient’s surgical history, pre-existing conditions, and current medications.

The Essential Five: A Deep Dive into Post-Operative Vital Signs

Mastering the art of post-operative vital sign assessment begins with a thorough understanding of each core parameter.

1. Body Temperature: The Internal Thermometer of Recovery

Body temperature is a fundamental indicator of the body’s internal state and its ability to regulate heat. After surgery, temperature can fluctuate significantly due to various factors.

Normal Range and Common Post-Operative Variations:

• Normal: Typically between 97.8°F (36.5°C) and 99.1°F (37.3°C) orally.

• Hypothermia (Low Temperature): Common in the immediate post-anesthesia period due to the effects of anesthesia, exposure in the operating room, and fluid administration. Mild hypothermia is defined as a core body temperature between 95°F (35°C) and 96.8°F (36°C). Moderate is 89.6°F (32°C) to 95°F (35°C), and severe is below 89.6°F (32°C).

  • Actionable Example: If a patient’s temperature is 94.5°F (34.7°C) immediately post-op, warming measures like heated blankets, forced-air warming devices, and warm IV fluids should be initiated. Document the intervention and recheck temperature every 15-30 minutes until it normalizes.
• Hyperthermia (Elevated Temperature/Fever): Can indicate an inflammatory response, infection, or a reaction to certain medications. A low-grade fever (up to 100.4°F or 38°C) is common in the first 24-48 hours due to the surgical stress response. A persistent or higher fever warrants further investigation.
  • Actionable Example: A patient’s temperature spikes to 101.5°F (38.6°C) on post-operative day 2, accompanied by localized pain at the incision site and redness. This could indicate a wound infection. The nurse should notify the surgeon, assess the wound, obtain a wound culture if ordered, and administer antipyretics as prescribed.

Methods of Measurement:

• Oral: Most common and convenient for cooperative patients. Ensure no hot or cold liquids have been consumed in the last 15 minutes.

• Axillary: Less accurate but useful for uncooperative patients or when oral temperature is contraindicated.

• Tympanic (Ear): Quick and convenient, but technique-dependent. Requires correct probe placement.

• Temporal (Forehead): Non-invasive and rapid, often used for screening.

• Rectal: Most accurate for core body temperature, typically reserved for critical care settings or when other methods are unreliable.

Key Considerations:

• Baseline: Always compare post-operative temperatures to the patient’s pre-operative baseline.

• Trends: Observe trends over time. A gradual increase or decrease is more significant than a single reading.

• Shivering: Shivering can artificially raise temperature readings by increasing muscle activity. Address shivering with warming measures first.

• Source of Fever: Differentiate between a fever due to inflammation and one due to infection. The timing and presence of other symptoms (e.g., purulent discharge, cough, dysuria) are crucial.

2. Pulse (Heart Rate): The Rhythm of Recovery

Pulse rate reflects the number of times the heart beats per minute and provides insights into the cardiovascular system’s efficiency.

Normal Range and Common Post-Operative Variations:

• Normal: 60-100 beats per minute (bpm) in adults.

• Tachycardia (Fast Heart Rate): Greater than 100 bpm. Common causes post-op include pain, anxiety, hypovolemia (dehydration or blood loss), fever, and medication side effects.

  • Actionable Example: A patient’s heart rate jumps from 80 bpm to 115 bpm within an hour, accompanied by pallor and dizziness. This could indicate internal bleeding. The nurse should immediately assess blood pressure, capillary refill, and mental status, then notify the rapid response team or surgeon.
• Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate): Less than 60 bpm. Can be caused by certain medications (e.g., opioids, beta-blockers), vagal stimulation (e.g., straining, vomiting), or underlying cardiac conditions.
  • Actionable Example: A patient receiving high doses of opioid pain medication has a heart rate of 52 bpm. The nurse should assess the patient’s respiratory rate and level of consciousness. If the patient is lethargic and respirations are shallow, naloxone (Narcan) may be indicated to reverse opioid effects, and the medication dose should be adjusted.

Methods of Measurement:

• Radial Pulse: Most common site, palpated on the thumb side of the wrist. Count for 30 seconds and multiply by two, or for a full minute if irregular.

• Apical Pulse: Auscultated with a stethoscope over the apex of the heart (mid-clavicular line, 5th intercostal space). Used for irregular rhythms or when peripheral pulses are difficult to palpate.

• Carotid Pulse: Palpated on either side of the neck. Used in emergencies when other pulses are not palpable.

• Femoral, Popliteal, Dorsalis Pedis, Posterior Tibial: Used to assess peripheral circulation, especially after vascular surgery or for patients with peripheral vascular disease.

Key Considerations:

• Rhythm and Strength: Note if the pulse is regular or irregular, and its strength (bounding, strong, weak, thready).

• Peripheral vs. Central: In shock states, peripheral pulses may be diminished or absent while central pulses (carotid, femoral) remain palpable.

• Patient Activity: Pulse rate will naturally increase with activity or pain. Assess during a period of rest.

3. Respiration (Breathing Rate and Effort): The Breath of Life

Respiration involves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Post-operatively, respiratory compromise is a significant concern.

Normal Range and Common Post-Operative Variations:

• Normal: 12-20 breaths per minute in adults.

• Tachypnea (Rapid Breathing): Greater than 20 breaths per minute. Can be due to pain, anxiety, fever, hypoxemia, acidosis, or pulmonary complications like atelectasis or pneumonia.

  • Actionable Example: A patient’s respiratory rate is 26 breaths per minute, shallow, and they report chest pain when taking a deep breath. This could indicate atelectasis (partial lung collapse) due to pain-limited deep breathing. The nurse should encourage incentive spirometry, pain management, and repositioning.
• Bradypnea (Slow Breathing): Less than 12 breaths per minute. Most commonly caused by opioid analgesics, anesthesia residual effects, or neurological compromise.
  • Actionable Example: A patient receiving IV morphine for pain has a respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute, shallow, and is difficult to arouse. This is a medical emergency. Administer naloxone (Narcan) immediately per protocol, initiate bag-valve mask ventilation if necessary, and call for emergency assistance.
• Apnea: Absence of breathing. A critical emergency.

Methods of Measurement:

• Observation: Count the number of full inspirations and expirations for one minute.

• Assess Effort: Note if breathing is labored, shallow, deep, or if accessory muscles are being used. Look for nasal flaring, retractions, or grunting.

• Auscultation: Listen to lung sounds for crackles, wheezes, or diminished breath sounds.

Key Considerations:

• Pain: Post-operative pain, especially in abdominal or thoracic surgeries, can lead to shallow breathing to avoid pain. This increases the risk of atelectasis and pneumonia. Aggressive pain management is crucial.

• Sedation: Over-sedation, particularly from opioids, can depress the respiratory drive.

• Airway Patency: Ensure the airway is clear. Patients emerging from anesthesia may have their tongue fall back, obstructing the airway.

• Secretions: Inability to cough effectively can lead to accumulation of secretions and respiratory distress.

4. Blood Pressure: The Circulatory Force

Blood pressure reflects the force of blood against the arterial walls and is a critical indicator of cardiovascular function and perfusion.

Normal Range and Common Post-Operative Variations:

• Normal: Varies, but generally systolic <120 mmHg and diastolic <80 mmHg for adults. The patient’s pre-operative baseline is paramount.

• Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure): A systolic blood pressure significantly below the patient’s baseline, typically <90 mmHg systolic, or a drop of more than 20-30 mmHg from baseline. Common post-op causes include blood loss, dehydration, vasodilation from anesthesia or medications, cardiac dysfunction, and sepsis.

  • Actionable Example: A patient who had abdominal surgery suddenly has a blood pressure of 85/45 mmHg, is pale, and clammy. This could indicate internal hemorrhage. The nurse should immediately place the patient in Trendelenburg position (if not contraindicated), administer IV fluids as ordered (or start a rapid infusion if no orders present and patient is critical), notify the surgeon, and prepare for potential blood transfusion.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): A systolic blood pressure significantly above the patient’s baseline, typically >140/90 mmHg, or an increase of more than 20-30 mmHg from baseline. Can be caused by pain, anxiety, fluid overload, pre-existing hypertension, or rebound hypertension after withdrawal of antihypertensive medications.
  • Actionable Example: A patient’s blood pressure is 165/98 mmHg and they report severe incisional pain. The nurse should administer prescribed pain medication first. If pain relief doesn’t reduce the blood pressure, then administer prescribed antihypertensive medication or notify the physician if no orders exist.

Methods of Measurement:

• Manual Auscultation: Using a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope. Considered the gold standard.

• Automated Devices: Most common in post-operative settings. Ensure correct cuff size and placement.

• Arterial Line (Invasive): Provides continuous, highly accurate blood pressure monitoring. Used in critical care settings or for patients requiring precise hemodynamic management.

Key Considerations:

• Cuff Size: Using an incorrect cuff size will lead to inaccurate readings.

• Positioning: Ensure the arm is at heart level.

• Orthostatic Hypotension: A drop in blood pressure when changing positions (lying to sitting/standing). Common after prolonged bed rest or with fluid shifts. Always assess for dizziness or lightheadedness with position changes.

• Pain and Anxiety: Both can transiently elevate blood pressure. Address these factors first.

• Fluid Status: Assess for signs of fluid overload (edema, crackles in lungs) or dehydration (dry mucous membranes, poor skin turgor).

5. Oxygen Saturation (SpO2): The Breath of Life’s Measurement

Oxygen saturation measures the percentage of hemoglobin carrying oxygen in the arterial blood. It’s a non-invasive way to assess oxygenation.

Normal Range and Common Post-Operative Variations:

• Normal: 95-100% on room air. For patients with chronic lung disease (e.g., COPD), their baseline may be lower (e.g., 88-92%), and this should be respected.

• Hypoxemia (Low Oxygen Saturation): Less than 95%. Can be caused by respiratory depression (opioids, anesthesia), atelectasis, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, or airway obstruction.

  • Actionable Example: A patient’s SpO2 drops from 97% to 90%, and they appear drowsy and have shallow respirations. The nurse should first encourage the patient to deep breathe and cough, assess airway patency, ensure proper head position (chin lift/jaw thrust if needed), apply supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula or mask, and notify the physician.

Methods of Measurement:

• Pulse Oximetry: A non-invasive device that clips onto a finger, toe, or earlobe.

Key Considerations:

• Probe Placement: Ensure the probe is correctly placed and there is good perfusion to the site. Cold extremities, nail polish, or poor circulation can lead to inaccurate readings.

• Motion Artifact: Patient movement can cause inaccurate readings.

• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Pulse oximetry cannot differentiate between oxygenated hemoglobin and carboxyhemoglobin, which can lead to falsely high readings in carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Anemia: Severe anemia can lead to a normal SpO2 reading even if the overall oxygen-carrying capacity is diminished. Always correlate with the patient’s hemoglobin levels.

Beyond the Numbers: Holistic Post-Operative Assessment

While vital signs are objective measurements, they must always be interpreted within the context of a broader patient assessment.

Pain Assessment: The Sixth Vital Sign

Pain is a subjective experience, but its impact on physiological parameters is undeniable. Untreated pain can elevate heart rate and blood pressure, increase respiratory rate, and hinder mobility, delaying recovery.

• Assessment Tools: Use a validated pain scale (e.g., Numeric Rating Scale 0-10, Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale) to quantify pain.

• Characteristics: Ask about the location, quality (sharp, dull, aching), intensity, and aggravating/alleviating factors.

• Interventions: Administer analgesics as prescribed, utilize non-pharmacological methods (repositioning, distraction, ice/heat), and reassess pain regularly.

• Actionable Example: A patient rates their pain as 8/10, despite having received pain medication an hour ago. Their heart rate is elevated, and they are grimacing. The nurse should administer an additional dose of pain medication (if allowable within prescribed parameters), assess the effectiveness of the previous dose, and consider alternative pain management strategies or consult with the pain management team if pain remains uncontrolled.

Level of Consciousness (LOC): The Neurological Barometer

Neurological status is crucial, especially after general anesthesia or head/neck surgery.

• Assessment:
  • Alertness: Is the patient awake and aware?

  • Orientation: Are they oriented to person, place, and time?

  • Responsiveness: Do they respond to verbal stimuli, tactile stimuli, or only painful stimuli?

  • Pupil Assessment: Size, shape, and reaction to light (PERRLA – Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation).

• Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS): A standardized tool for assessing neurological function in a more objective manner, especially in critical patients.

• Actionable Example: A patient who was previously alert and oriented becomes difficult to arouse and disoriented. This could indicate a neurological event, medication side effect, or metabolic imbalance. The nurse should immediately assess vital signs, blood glucose, and notify the physician.

Skin Assessment: A Window to Perfusion

The skin can provide valuable clues about circulation and hydration.

• Color: Pallor (pale) can indicate anemia or poor perfusion. Cyanosis (bluish tint) suggests hypoxemia. Redness can indicate inflammation or infection.

• Temperature: Cool, clammy skin may indicate shock. Warm, flushed skin can indicate fever or inflammation.

• Moisture: Diaphoresis (sweating) can occur with pain, fever, or shock.

• Capillary Refill: Press on a nail bed until it blanches, then release. Color should return within 2-3 seconds. Delayed refill indicates poor perfusion.

• Actionable Example: After abdominal surgery, a patient’s skin becomes cool, pale, and clammy with a capillary refill time of 4 seconds. This, coupled with a dropping blood pressure and rising heart rate, strongly suggests hypovolemic shock. Immediate medical intervention is required.

Incision Site Assessment: The Gateway to Healing

The surgical incision is a direct reflection of the healing process and a potential source of complications.

• REEDA Assessment:
  • R – Redness: Mild redness is normal; increasing redness may indicate infection.

  • E – Edema (Swelling): Mild swelling is normal; increasing or localized swelling may indicate infection, hematoma, or seroma.

  • E – Ecchymosis (Bruising): Common; significant or spreading bruising may indicate bleeding.

  • D – Drainage: Note amount, color (serous, sanguineous, serosanguineous, purulent), and odor. Any purulent (pus-like) or foul-smelling drainage indicates infection.

  • A – Approximation: How well the wound edges are joined. Dehiscence (wound separation) or evisceration (protrusion of organs) are surgical emergencies.

• Pain at Site: Localized pain, especially increasing pain out of proportion to expectation, can indicate complications.

• Actionable Example: A patient’s incision site, previously clean and dry, now has increasing redness, warmth, and purulent drainage with a foul odor. The patient also has a fever. This is indicative of a surgical site infection. The nurse should notify the surgeon, obtain a wound culture, and prepare for potential wound debridement or antibiotic administration.

Fluid Balance: The Essential Equilibrium

Maintaining adequate fluid balance is paramount for organ function and wound healing.

• Intake: Document all oral fluids, intravenous fluids, and tube feedings.

• Output: Document urine output, drainage from surgical drains (e.g., Jackson-Pratt, Hemovac), emesis, and stool.

• Daily Weights: A sensitive indicator of fluid status, especially in patients with cardiac or renal issues.

• Assessment for Edema: Swelling, particularly in dependent areas (ankles, sacrum), can indicate fluid overload.

• Actionable Example: A patient has received 3 liters of IV fluids but has only produced 300 ml of urine over 8 hours. Their lower extremities are swollen, and lung sounds reveal crackles. This indicates fluid overload. The nurse should notify the physician, restrict fluids as ordered, and administer diuretics if prescribed.

Frequency of Vital Sign Monitoring: A Tailored Approach

The frequency of vital sign assessment post-surgery is not static. It depends on several factors:

• Type of Surgery: Major surgeries (e.g., cardiac, vascular, extensive abdominal) require more frequent monitoring than minor procedures.

• Type of Anesthesia: General anesthesia requires more intensive post-operative monitoring than local anesthesia.

• Patient’s Condition: Stable patients require less frequent checks than unstable patients, those with co-morbidities, or those exhibiting signs of distress.

• Time Since Surgery: Monitoring is most frequent in the immediate post-anesthesia recovery unit (PACU), gradually decreasing as the patient stabilizes and moves to the general ward.

General Guidelines:

• Immediate Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU):
  • Every 5-15 minutes until stable.

  • Once stable, every 15-30 minutes for the next 1-2 hours.

• Hospital Ward (First 24-48 hours):

  • Every 1-4 hours, depending on patient stability and institutional policy.

  • More frequent if there are concerns or changes in condition.

• After 48 hours (if stable):

  • Every 4-8 hours.

  • Daily once the patient is ambulating and pain is well-controlled.

Example Scenario for Frequency Adjustment:

A patient undergoes an appendectomy and is admitted to the PACU.

• First 30 minutes in PACU: Vitals every 5 minutes (BP 120/70, HR 78, RR 16, SpO2 98%, Temp 97.0°F). Stable.

• Next Hour: Vitals every 15 minutes (BP 118/68, HR 75, RR 16, SpO2 98%, Temp 97.2°F). Stable.

• Transfer to Ward: Vitals every 1 hour for the first 4 hours on the ward.

• Next 20 hours: Vitals every 4 hours.

• Post-op Day 2: Vitals every 8 hours.

• Post-op Day 3 (if stable and ambulating): Vitals once daily or as per unit protocol.

However, if at any point the patient’s condition changes (e.g., sudden drop in BP, increased pain, decreased SpO2), the frequency of vital sign monitoring must immediately increase back to a more intensive schedule until stability is re-established.

Documentation: The Legal and Clinical Imperative

Accurate and timely documentation of vital signs and assessments is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s a fundamental component of safe patient care.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Record vital signs clearly and legibly (if manual) or ensure accurate electronic entry.

• Timeliness: Document readings immediately after they are taken.

• Trends and Interventions: Document any changes in vital signs, the interventions performed, and the patient’s response to those interventions. This paints a complete picture for other healthcare providers.

• Communication: Effective documentation facilitates seamless communication among the healthcare team, ensuring continuity of care and enabling timely decision-making.

Example of Effective Documentation:

“07/25/2025 18:00 – Patient alert and oriented x3. Reports pain 6/10 at incision site. BP 148/92, HR 98, RR 22, SpO2 94% on room air, Temp 99.8°F. Lungs with scattered crackles bilateral bases. Encouraged deep breathing and incentive spirometry. Administered IV Morphine 2mg per PCA. Will re-assess in 30 minutes. – Nurse, R.N.”

“07/25/2025 18:30 – Patient pain 3/10. BP 130/80, HR 85, RR 18, SpO2 97% on room air. Lungs clearer. Tolerating deep breaths. – Nurse, R.N.”

This example demonstrates a clear problem (pain, elevated vitals, decreased SpO2), intervention (Morphine, deep breathing), and positive patient response.

Recognizing and Responding to Red Flags: The Art of Early Intervention

The true value of vital sign monitoring lies in the ability to recognize deviations from the norm and act promptly. Developing a keen eye for “red flags” and understanding the appropriate responses can be life-saving.

Common Post-Operative Complications and Their Vital Sign Manifestations:

• Hemorrhage (Bleeding):
  • Vitals: Decreased BP, increased HR (tachycardia), increased RR, decreased SpO2, decreased temperature (if significant blood loss leads to hypothermia).

  • Other Signs: Pallor, cool/clammy skin, decreased urine output, dizziness, altered mental status, increased drainage from surgical site.

  • Action: Rapid IV fluid administration, notify surgeon, prepare for blood transfusion, monitor closely.

• Infection (Surgical Site, Pneumonia, UTI):

  • Vitals: Increased temperature (fever), increased HR (tachycardia), increased RR.

  • Other Signs: Localized pain, redness, swelling, purulent drainage (for SSI); cough, purulent sputum, shortness of breath (for pneumonia); dysuria, frequency, cloudy/foul-smelling urine (for UTI).

  • Action: Notify physician, obtain cultures (wound, sputum, urine), administer antibiotics as prescribed, supportive care.

• Respiratory Depression (from Opioids/Anesthesia):

  • Vitals: Decreased RR (bradypnea), decreased SpO2, decreased HR (bradycardia, but can be variable).

  • Other Signs: Sedation, lethargy, shallow breathing, decreased level of consciousness.

  • Action: Stimulate patient, administer naloxone (Narcan) if opioid-induced, oxygen therapy, manual ventilation if necessary, call for rapid response.

• Atelectasis/Pneumonia:

  • Vitals: Increased RR (tachypnea), increased HR, mild fever, decreased SpO2.

  • Other Signs: Shallow breathing, pain with deep inspiration, diminished breath sounds, cough.

  • Action: Encourage deep breathing exercises, incentive spirometry, early ambulation, pain management, chest physiotherapy.

• Pulmonary Embolism (PE):

  • Vitals: Sudden onset of increased HR, increased RR, decreased SpO2 (often resistant to oxygen therapy), sometimes hypotension.

  • Other Signs: Sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, feeling of impending doom.

  • Action: Elevate head of bed, oxygen therapy, notify physician immediately, prepare for diagnostic tests (CT angiogram, V/Q scan), anticoagulation.

• Cardiac Complications (MI, Arrhythmias):

  • Vitals: Changes in HR (tachycardia, bradycardia, irregular), BP changes (hypotension, hypertension).

  • Other Signs: Chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, nausea.

  • Action: ECG, notify physician, administer cardiac medications as prescribed, continuous cardiac monitoring.

The Rapid Response System (RRS)

Many healthcare facilities utilize a Rapid Response System (RRS) or Medical Emergency Team (MET) to quickly address signs of patient deterioration. Understanding when to activate this system is paramount. Typically, triggers for RRS activation include:

• Acute change in heart rate (e.g., <40 or >130 bpm).

• Acute change in systolic blood pressure (e.g., <90 mmHg or >180 mmHg).

• Acute change in respiratory rate (e.g., <8 or >28 breaths/min).

• Acute change in SpO2 (e.g., <90% despite oxygen).

• Acute change in level of consciousness (e.g., sudden confusion, unresponsiveness).

• New or uncontrolled seizure.

• Significant chest pain.

• Nurse or family concern.

Actionable Example: A nurse observes a patient who was previously stable now exhibiting a sudden drop in SpO2 to 88% on 4L nasal cannula, accompanied by a respiratory rate of 30 and increased work of breathing. Despite repositioning and encouraging deep breaths, the SpO2 does not improve. This immediately warrants activation of the Rapid Response System to bring additional resources and expertise to the bedside.

Conclusion: The Unwavering Commitment to Post-Operative Excellence

Checking vital signs after surgery is far more than a simple task on a checklist; it’s a dynamic, critical, and continuous assessment that underpins the safety and efficacy of post-operative care. By diligently monitoring temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, and by integrating these objective measurements with a holistic assessment of pain, neurological status, skin integrity, and fluid balance, healthcare professionals can proactively identify and respond to subtle signs of deterioration. This vigilant approach, coupled with effective communication and timely intervention, empowers clinicians to navigate the complexities of post-operative recovery, mitigate potential complications, and ultimately, pave the way for a smoother, safer, and more successful journey back to health for every surgical patient. The unwavering commitment to precision in vital sign assessment is the bedrock upon which post-operative excellence is built, securing the well-being of those entrusted to our care.