Nokea
A client has a tracheostomy that is 3 days old. Upon assessment, the nurse notes the client's face is puffy, and the eyelids are swollen. What action by the nurse takes priority?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess the client's oxygen saturation. This is the priority because the client's puffy face and swollen eyelids may indicate airway obstruction or respiratory distress, common complications in tracheostomy patients. Assessing oxygen saturation helps determine if the client is getting enough oxygen. Option B (Notify the Rapid Response Team) is not the immediate action unless the client's condition deteriorates rapidly. Option C (Oxygenate the client with a bag-valve-mask) may be necessary but should come after assessing oxygen saturation. Option D (Palpate the skin of the upper chest) is irrelevant to the client's current symptoms.