What is an important monitoring parameter for a patient undergoing major surgery?

Monitoring urinary output during major surgery is critical for several reasons. It serves as an indicator of renal function and overall fluid balance in the patient. Adequate urinary output suggests that the kidneys are functioning properly and that there is sufficient perfusion to the renal system. During surgery, especially in major procedures, patients can experience changes in hemodynamics and may receive intravenous fluids or blood products; hence, observing urinary output can help assess the effectiveness of fluid management.

Additionally, changes in urinary output can alert the surgical team to potential complications such as acute kidney injury or fluid overload. Therefore, maintaining close monitoring of urinary output ensures that any issues can be identified and addressed promptly, contributing to better patient outcomes during and after surgery.

Other parameters such as caloric intake, skin integrity, and physical therapy, while important in their own right, do not have the same immediate and direct correlation to intraoperative stability and patient safety as urinary output does.