A postsurgical patient has just returned from the recovery room to the surgical unit.After the first hour on the unit,what is the likely schedule for measuring the patient's vital signs?

A) Every 4 hours for 24 hours
B) Every 8 hours for 24 hours
C) Once per shift
D) Every 2 hours for 24 hours

The optimal frequency for assessing vital signs depends on the patient's condition and the events taking place.Also,agency policies usually require that nurses monitor and record vital signs regularly.The frequency varies by setting.Usually in the hospital setting and for a new postoperative patient,the frequency should be every 4 hours for the first 24 hour postoperative period.Once the patient is considered stabilized and with no problems identified,the nurse can then decrease the frequency to every 8 hours and then once per shift.