Final answer:
Obese patients who have undergone surgery should be assessed for respiratory distress, delayed wound healing, and deep vein thrombosis as potential complications. These risks arise due to obesity-related factors such as decreased lung volume, impaired tissue perfusion, and reduced mobility.
Step-by-step explanation:
In caring for an obese patient who underwent a surgical procedure, the nurse should assess for multiple potential postoperative complications. The correct options are A. Respiratory distress, C. Delayed wound healing, and E. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Obesity increases the risk for respiratory complications due to decreased lung volume and potential obstructive sleep apnea. Delayed wound healing is more common in obese individuals due to factors like reduced tissue perfusion and increased risk of infection. Obesity also predisposes patients to DVT because of decreased mobility and venous stasis. While hypertension could be associated with obesity, it is generally not considered a direct postoperative complication unless related to other factors such as pain or anxiety. Hypotension, on the other hand, might result from anesthesia or blood loss during surgery but is not specifically linked to obesity.