Which vital signs are crucial for the perioperative nurse to monitor?

Monitoring vital signs is essential in perioperative care because they provide critical information about a patient’s physiological state and help detect any changes that may require immediate intervention. The combination of heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and respiratory rate encompasses the fundamental indicators of a patient's cardiovascular, respiratory, and thermal status.

Heart rate and blood pressure are vital for assessing cardiovascular function, while respiratory rate gives insights into the patient’s respiratory efficiency and oxygenation levels. Temperature monitoring helps identify any potential risks for infection or hypothermia during and after surgery. Collectively, these vital signs serve as a comprehensive assessment tool, enabling the perioperative nurse to identify complications early and collaborate effectively with the surgical team to ensure the patient's safety.

While other responses mention selected vital signs, they do not encompass the full range necessary for thorough perioperative monitoring. Monitoring only heart rate and blood pressure neglects respiratory and temperature assessments, which are also critical in identifying changes that could indicate complications. Similarly, focusing solely on temperature and respiratory rate or looking at skin color and pain level does not provide a complete picture of the patient's physiological stability needed during the perioperative period. Thus, the correct answer reflects the comprehensive approach required in monitoring vital signs to ensure optimal patient safety and care.