Final answer:
A healthcare professional should listen to a patient's postoperative concerns, assess their situation, and provide appropriate guidance and support.
Step-by-step explanation:
A healthcare professional should handle a patient who hasn't followed postoperative care instructions with understanding and support. The correct approach is to listen to the patient's concerns, assess the situation thoroughly, and provide appropriate guidance and care in response to their issues. It is imperative that healthcare providers maintain professionalism and empathy, ensuring the patients feel heard and cared for. This encourages open communication, which can help to prevent further complications and facilitate a better understanding of the importance of postoperative care in the patient's health and recovery process.