What should be monitored closely after a cesarean delivery?

Monitoring pain levels and bleeding closely after a cesarean delivery is critical for several reasons. Following surgery, patients can experience an increase in pain due to the surgical incision and the healing process. Proper pain management is essential not just for comfort but also to encourage movement and prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis or pneumonia.

Additionally, monitoring for abnormal bleeding is vital after a cesarean delivery. The surgical procedure involves incisions through various layers of tissue, which can disrupt blood vessels. Any excessive or abnormal bleeding from the incision site or lochia is a significant concern that requires immediate attention, as it may indicate complications such as uterine atony or infection.

While heart rate and blood pressure, fluid intake and output, and fetal heart rate are important aspects of comprehensive postpartum care, they do not hold the same immediate priority following a cesarean delivery as monitoring pain and bleeding does. Pain and bleeding directly reflect the patient's recovery from the surgical procedure and can lead to critical interventions if not addressed timely.