What criteria must be met before a patient can be discharged after surgery?

The criteria for discharge after surgery focus on the patient's safety and readiness to continue recovery outside of a medical setting. The correct choice emphasizes several critical factors: stable vital signs indicate that the patient's physiological status is stable and not indicative of any immediate postoperative complications; the ability to tolerate oral fluids shows that the digestive system is functioning sufficiently post-anesthesia; lastly, the absence of complications means that the patient is not experiencing adverse effects that could require further medical attention. Together, these criteria ensure that the patient is fit to leave the healthcare environment and manage their recovery at home.

Other options do not encompass the comprehensive assessment required for a safe discharge. For instance, simply having clear skin and stable vital signs does not guarantee that a patient is ready to leave, as other factors like hydration and complication absence are also critical. The notion that discharge can occur at any time post-operation disregards the essential evaluations necessary for patient safety. Furthermore, the idea that a patient must be fully dependent on caretakers is not a realistic criterion for discharge; in fact, the goal of recovery is to foster independence as much as possible before patients go home.