What should be included in postoperative patient teaching?

• A. Wound care, activity restrictions, medication dosing and side effects, signs of infection or complication, follow-up plan, and when to seek care
• B. Only wound care
• C. Discharge instructions only on discharge day
• D. No teaching

Answer: (A)

Postoperative teaching should equip patients for safe healing by covering wound care, activity restrictions, how to take medications (including dosing and potential side effects), signs of infection or other complications, the plan for follow-up, and when to seek care. Each part matters: wound care protects the incision, activity guidance helps healing and prevents strain or dehiscence, medication instructions ensure effective pain control while avoiding overdose or adverse effects, and knowing what signs to watch for plus when to contact a clinician or return for care helps catch problems early and reduces the chance of readmission. Reinforcing these points before discharge and during follow-up ensures the patient understands and can follow the plan. Limiting information to just wound care, or confining instructions to discharge day, leaves gaps that can lead to complications, while no teaching at all is unsafe.