What is the first step in managing a surgical patient’s care transition?

Performing a full assessment is the first step in managing a surgical patient's care transition because it establishes a comprehensive understanding of the patient's current health status. This assessment allows healthcare providers to identify any immediate needs, potential complications, and areas requiring specific attention. It includes evaluating vital signs, surgical site condition, pain levels, mobility, and any other pertinent information that informs the patient's ongoing care plan.

Conducting a thorough assessment early on ensures that appropriate interventions can be initiated promptly, which is critical for patient safety and effective recovery. Additional steps, such as informing a partner, providing comfort, or checking consent are certainly important but would typically follow the assessment to ensure that the patient’s immediate clinical needs are addressed first before considering the psychosocial aspects or confirming logistics around the surgical procedure.