To answer this question about Zoe's vitals monitoring schedule, we need to consider common medical protocols used in the context of post-operative care. Typically, vitals are monitored at consistent and close intervals following surgery to ensure the patient's stability. Let's break down the options and identify the most logical one.
1. 2:30 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 3:45 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.:
- The intervals here are 15 minutes apart after each check.
- It's unlikely that this option is practical for a stable condition over such a short period.
2. 2:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.:
- The intervals here are 30 minutes apart initially for the first few hours post-surgery.
- This makes more sense as it provides a good balance between monitoring the patient closely while also giving some space.
3. 2:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.:
- Here, the intervals are 30 minutes apart up to 4:30 p.m., then switch to an hour.
- While this is also feasible, it introduces inconsistency in the interval duration.
4. 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m.:
- The intervals here are consistently 1 hour apart for a longer-term stable patient.
- This option seems more suited to a patient already stable for longer periods rather than immediately post-surgery.
Given the above breakdown, the second option (2:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.) is the most appropriate. This schedule provides consistent and sensible intervals for monitoring shortly after surgery while reflecting common medical practice in a hospital setting.
So, Zoe's vitals should be taken at:
2:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.
