What is the role of the CNA when caring for a post-operative patient?

In the context of caring for a post-operative patient, the role of the CNA primarily revolves around monitoring the patient's condition and providing comfort. This includes observing vital signs, managing the patient’s comfort needs, and ensuring that the environment is conducive to healing. Recognizing any signs of complications, such as changes in vital signs that may indicate infection or other issues, is crucial. The CNA plays an important supportive role by being attentive to the patient’s needs, assisting with mobility if required, and helping with personal hygiene, which contributes to the overall recovery process.

The other options are not aligned with the standard responsibilities of a CNA. Preparing a patient for surgical discharge involves a broader understanding of discharge criteria and often falls under the purview of nursing staff. Assisting surgeons is typically the role of surgical assistants or licensed practitioners rather than CNAs, whose scope does not include surgical support. Managing a patient's medication schedule is usually handled by nurses or pharmacists, as it requires extensive knowledge of pharmaceuticals, doses, and potential interactions, which goes beyond the CNA's training.