Which of the following is a key postoperative consideration for a patient who has undergone ERCP?

Monitoring vital signs and respiratory status is crucial in the postoperative care of a patient who has undergone Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This procedure can involve sedation or anesthesia, which entails potential complications such as respiratory depression, changes in heart rate, and blood pressure fluctuations.

Postoperatively, the patient may experience key side effects, including drowsiness from sedatives, which could impair their ability to maintain an airway or respond appropriately. Therefore, constant observation of vital signs helps ensure the patient's safety and enables healthcare professionals to promptly identify any complications that may arise, allowing for timely intervention if needed.

In contrast, beginning a full diet immediately is not typically advised; patients might need a more gradual resumption of eating due to the procedure's impact on the digestive system. Allowing a patient to leave once they feel fine does not account for the possibility of delayed responses to anesthesia, which could lead to unsafe situations. Lastly, administering pain relievers without a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's condition might mask important symptoms that require further assessment.