The nurse will be caring for a patient who has just arrived on the medical-surgical unit following surgical repair of his fractured right ankle. Which is the priority action of the nurse when the patient arrives on the unit?
a. Instruct the patient how to call for assistance using the call light.
b. Assess the color and warmth of the toes on the patient's right foot.
c. Determine when the patient's next pain medication is due.
d. Check pulse oximetry and obtain a full set of vital signs.
ANS: D
Checking pulse oximetry and vital signs is the priority action when the patient first arrives on the medical-surgical unit from the postoperative area. The other actions can wait until the vital signs have been obtained.
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