Patients who have surgery are likely to be put under anesthesia for the process. Between the anesthesia and the surgical process, the person’s body goes through a lot of trauma and changes. These all require healing, which starts immediately after the surgery is completed and continues for weeks or months.
During the healing period, the patient must be properly monitored. This is especially important in the hours after the procedure is complete. During that time, the patient should be in recovery, where they can be monitored by nurses and doctors.
Common risks of inadequate post-surgical monitoring
Failing to properly monitor a patient after surgery can result in delayed recognition of serious complications. These include internal bleeding, infections, blood clots and respiratory distress.
In some cases, subtle changes in a patient’s vital signs or condition may be the first signs of a problem. Without consistent observation and timely medical intervention, what could have been a treatable issue can quickly escalate into a life-threatening situation.
Medication errors are another concern. Post-surgical patients often require pain management and other medications that must be administered and adjusted with care. If nurses or medical staff fail to monitor how a patient responds to these drugs, the risk of overdose, allergic reactions, or dangerous side effects increases significantly.
Anyone who has suffered an injury due to improper monitoring after a surgical procedure or any other form of medical negligence may choose to seek compensation for the financial damages they’re dealing with now and will have in the future. Working with someone who’s familiar with these matters may be beneficial.