Postoperative care at the completion of bimaxillary surgery:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Bimaxillary surgery's postoperative phase is complex. Intermaxillary fixation (IMF) aligns jaws but restricts mouth opening, complicating airway management, vomiting, and oral care raising aspiration or obstruction risks. Awake extubation is preferred, ensuring airway reflexes return, critical with IMF and swelling. Gentle tube removal prevents surgical site trauma (e.g., plates), though mandibular hardware is internal, less tube-accessible. Emergency reintubation may use nasal routes due to IMF, addressing bleeding/obstruction. HDU care is case-specific, not mandatory. IMF's presence drives tailored strategies, prioritizing airway security and patient stability in this high-risk recovery period.
Nokea