Postoperative Nursing Care Cheat Sheet Quick Reference Guide for
Nursing Students & Clinical Practice 2025-2026 Updated Edition
Quick Reference Guide
POSTOPERATIVE NURSING CARE CHEAT SHEET
Quick Reference Guide for Nursing Students & Clinical Practice
2025-2026 | Already Graded A+
Course: Medical-Surgical Nursing / Clinical Rotations / NCLEX Review
, 2|Page
ONE-PAGE QUICK REFERENCE
Priority Assessment Critical Values Action
Patent, stridor, Position, suction, call for
A – Airway Stridor, inability to speak
gurgling help
B– RR, depth, breath RR <10 or >30, SpO₂ O₂, deep breathing, notify
Breathing sounds, SpO₂ <92% provider
C– HR, BP, pulses, cap HR >120 or <50, BP IV fluids, assess for
Circulation refill <90/60, cap refill >3 sec bleeding, notify provider
D– LOC (AVPU), Decreasing LOC, unequal Neuro check, notify
Disability pupils pupils provider
E– Wound, drains, Bleeding, purulent Assess wound, monitor
Exposure temperature drainage, temp >101°F output, treat fever
AVPU: A-Alert, V-Verbal, P-Pain, U-Unresponsive