What vital signs indicate a need for concern in a post-operative patient on a non-rebreather mask?

In a post-operative patient, a pulse rate of 135 beats per minute signifies tachycardia, which can indicate several underlying issues that warrant concern. After surgery, various factors can lead to elevated heart rates, including pain, anxiety, hypovolemia, or even complications such as infection or hemorrhage.

While elevated temperature, such as 38.5°C, can also be concerning as it may indicate a potential infection, it is not as immediate or indicative of a critical situation as a very high heart rate might be. An SpO2 of 94% suggests that the patient is still somewhat oxygenated, which may be marginal but not immediately alarming, especially while on a non-rebreather mask. Respirations at 20 per minute fall within a normal range (typically 12-20 breaths per minute for adults), hence they do not signal an issue by themselves.

In a post-operative context, monitoring heart rate is crucial, as it can be a quick indicator of the patient's hemodynamic status and overall well-being. Therefore, the elevation in pulse rate to 135/min is a vital sign that points toward a need for further evaluation and potential intervention.