On admission of a patient to the postanaesthesia care unit (PACU)from surgery,the nurse should place the highest priority on assessing which of the following?

Question

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The highest priority for the nurse when admitting a patient to the PACU is to assess the adequacy of respiratory function. This is because the patient may have received general anesthesia or sedation during surgery, which can affect their ability to breathe on their own. Monitoring their airway, breathing, and oxygen saturation levels is crucial to prevent respiratory distress or failure. While assessing the surgical site, level of consciousness, and fluid and electrolyte balance are also important, ensuring adequate ventilation takes precedence in the immediate post-operative period.

On Admission of a Patient to the Postanaesthesia Care Unit