What vital sign change may indicate a complication in a patient recovering from CABG?

A rapid respiration rate in a patient recovering from coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) can be a significant indicator of a complication. This vital sign change may signify several underlying issues, such as hypoxia, pain, anxiety, or even the development of conditions like pneumonia or pulmonary embolism. In the postoperative period, patients are at an increased risk for respiratory complications due to factors such as anesthesia and decreased mobility. Therefore, if a patient exhibits rapid breathing, it prompts further assessment and potential intervention to address the possible complications.

In contrast, a slight increase in temperature is often a normal response to surgery, as it may indicate the body is reacting to inflammation rather than a serious infection. Normalization of heart rate also suggests recovery, as it's expected for the heart rhythm to stabilize after surgical interventions. Furthermore, increased blood pressure could be attributed to factors such as pain or anxiety, and while it warrants monitoring, it does not indicate acute complications as directly as rapid respiration would in this context.