A 35-year-old female presents to the general surgery ward on postoperative day 4 following an uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. She reports increasing abdominal distension and persistent nausea with intermittent non-bloody, non-bilious vomiting since yesterday. She denies passing flatus or having a bowel movement since her surgery. She has been receiving oral opioid analgesia for pain control. On physical examination, her temperature is 37.2 °C, blood pressure is 118/78 mmHg, heart rate is 90/min, and respirations are 14/min. Her abdomen is diffusely distended and tympanitic to percussion, with mild generalized tenderness but no rebound or guarding. Bowel sounds are diminished globally. A plain abdominal radiograph shows diffuse dilation of both small and large bowel loops with air-fluid levels. Considering her presentation, what is the most likely diagnosis and the appropriate initial management strategy?

A 45-year-old woman presents to the general surgical ward on post-operative day 4 following an uncomplicated abdominal hysterectomy. She reports persistent nausea, several episodes of bilious emesis, and has not passed flatus or had a bowel movement since the procedure. Her abdominal pain is diffuse and described as a constant, dull ache, rated 4/10. She denies fever or chills but feels increasingly fatigued. Her current vital signs include a temperature of 37.8°C, blood pressure of 130/85 mmHg, heart rate of 92 beats/min, and respiratory rate of 16 breaths/min. On physical examination, her mucous membranes appear dry, and the abdomen is moderately distended, diffusely tender to palpation, and tympanic to percussion. Bowel sounds are notably absent. The lower abdominal incision is clean and dry. An abdominal radiograph reveals dilated loops of small and large bowel with air-fluid levels. Given this patient's clinical picture, what is the most appropriate initial management strategy and what significant complication should be closely monitored?