Nokea
A post-anesthesia care unit nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thoracotomy and lobectomy. Which of the following postoperative assessments should the nurse give the highest priority to?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Arterial blood gases. This is the highest priority assessment for a client post-thoracotomy and lobectomy as it helps monitor the client's oxygenation status and acid-base balance, crucial after thoracic surgery. ABGs provide immediate information on the client's respiratory function, detecting any respiratory complications early on. The other options, B: Urinary output, C: Chest tube drainage, and D: Pain level, are important assessments but not as critical as monitoring the client's oxygenation status post-thoracic surgery. Urinary output is important for renal function, chest tube drainage for monitoring for any bleeding or air leakage, and pain level for comfort, but none of these directly assess the client's respiratory status and potential complications.