Adult Medical Surgical ATI Related

Review Adult Medical Surgical ATI related questions and content

A client is being admitted to the surgical unit from the PACU following a cholecystectomy. Which of the following assessments is the nurse's priority?

  • A. Bowel sounds
  • B. Surgical dressing
  • C. Temperature
  • D. Oxygen saturation
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Oxygen saturation. The priority assessment after a cholecystectomy is monitoring the client's oxygen saturation to ensure adequate oxygenation post-surgery. Decreased oxygen saturation can indicate respiratory distress, which requires immediate intervention. Bowel sounds (A) are important but not the priority post-cholecystectomy. Surgical dressing (B) should be assessed, but it is not as critical as monitoring oxygen saturation. Temperature (C) is also important, but ensuring oxygenation takes precedence in the immediate postoperative period.