Which type of patient requires an increased level of monitoring by CNAs?

The choice highlighting patients who are post-operative or have specific medical conditions is accurate because these individuals typically experience more fluctuation in their vital signs and overall conditions than other patient categories. After surgery, patients may face risks such as infection, excessive bleeding, or complications from anesthesia, all of which necessitate closer observation to predict and respond to any potential issues. Additionally, patients with specific medical conditions, such as those with cardiovascular issues or respiratory distress, require increased monitoring to catch any changes or deterioration that could lead to severe outcomes.

Patients with stable chronic conditions typically do not experience sudden changes or crises, allowing for routine monitoring rather than intensive observation. Likewise, while individuals in the advanced stages of dementia do require significant care and attention, their needs focus more on supportive and therapeutic interventions rather than constant medical monitoring. Similarly, patients receiving routine physical therapy often already demonstrate a baseline level of stability and can be managed with regular monitoring rather than heightened scrutiny. Thus, these groups do not warrant the increased level of observation needed for post-operative patients or those with acute medical issues.