Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

Dehydration is a pressing concern for a patient post-surgery because it can significantly impact recovery and overall health. After surgery, patients may experience decreased fluid intake due to factors such as nausea, pain management, or the effects of anesthesia. Additionally, surgical procedures can cause fluid shifts and loss, particularly if there has been significant blood loss or if the patient has been fasting prior to the procedure.

Maintaining adequate hydration is crucial for several reasons. It aids in wound healing, helps to maintain blood pressure, prevents renal complications, and promotes optimal gastrointestinal function. Dehydration can lead to complications such as urinary tract infections, electrolyte imbalances, and increased risk of thromboembolic events.

Other concerns, like nutritional imbalance, electrolyte over-saturation, and acid-base imbalance, are also important but tend to emerge as secondary issues. Nutritional imbalances may develop over a longer term if a patient cannot resume a normal diet promptly. Electrolyte over-saturation is less common following surgery, as monitoring typically focuses on ensuring that these levels remain within a normal range. Acid-base imbalances can occur but are often related to specific conditions or prolonged technical issues during or after surgery. Thus, focusing on dehydration post-surgery is vital for immediate patient care and