When providing care for a post-operative client, what must the practical nurse (PN) routinely check for during the initial 24 hours?

When caring for a post-operative client during the initial 24 hours, it is crucial to routinely check for signs of respiratory distress. This focus is due to the significant risk of respiratory complications that can arise following surgery, especially if general anesthesia was used or if the surgery involved the thoracic or abdominal area.

Monitoring for respiratory distress includes assessing the client's breathing pattern, rate, depth, oxygen saturation levels, and any signs of increased work of breathing or cyanosis. Early detection of respiratory issues can prevent more serious complications, such as pneumonia or respiratory failure, allowing for timely interventions to stabilize the patient's condition.

While it is also important to monitor drainage tubes, assess bowel sounds, and evaluate the pain level, the immediate priority in post-operative care within the first 24 hours often leans toward ensuring effective respiration. Each of these other aspects is important in the broader scope of post-operative care, but the assessment for respiratory distress stands out as critical due to the potential impact on overall recovery and the risk of acute complications.