While assessing a patient who has just arrived in the postanesthesia recovery unit (PACU) after a thyroidectomy, the nurse obtains these data. Which information is most important to communicate to the surgeon?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The neck swelling may lead to respiratory difficulty, and rapid intervention is needed to prevent airway obstruction. The incisional pain should be treated but is not unusual after surgery. A heart rate of 112 is not unusual in a patient who has been hyperthyroid and has just arrived in the PACU from surgery. Sleepiness in the immediate postoperative period is expected.

While Assessing a Patient Who Has Just Arrived in the Postanesthesia