A nurse is assessing a patient who has just been admitted to the postsurgical unit following surgical resection for the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer. What assessment should the nurse prioritize?
A) Assess ability to clear oral secretions.
B) Assess for signs of infection.
C) Assess for a patent airway.
D) Assess for ability to communicate.
Ans: C
Feedback:
Postoperatively, the nurse assesses for a patent airway. The patient's ability to manage secretions has a direct bearing on airway patency. However, airway patency is the overarching goal. This immediate physiologic need is prioritized over communication, though this is an important consideration. Infection is not normally a threat in the immediate postoperative period.
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