Which of the following actions should the nurse take first when caring for a client who has just arrived on the unit after a thyroidectomy?
A)Check the dressing for bleeding.
B)Assess respiratory rate and effort.
C)Take the blood pressure and pulse.
D)Support the client's head with pillows.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Airway obstruction is a possible complication after thyroidectomy because of swelling or bleeding at the site or tetany, and the priority nursing action is to assess the airway. The other actions are also part of the standard nursing care post-thyroidectomy but are not as high in priority.

Which of the Following Actions Should the Nurse Take First