The nurse admits a client to the surgical unit from the postanesthesia care unit. The client has an oral airway in place and awakens only to painful stimuli. What is the priority nursing action?
A)Remove the oral airway, and elevate the head of the bed.
B)Position the client with the head turned to the side.
C)Measure vital signs, and check surgical dressing.
D)Call the surgeon, and obtain postoperative prescriptions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Positioning the client with the head turned to the side is the priority to maintain a patent airway and prevent aspiration, especially in a client who is not fully conscious and has an oral airway in place.

The Nurse Admits a Client to the Surgical Unit from the Postanesthesia