What should a nurse assess first when dealing with a patient after surgery?

When caring for a patient after surgery, assessing breathing status is crucial. After surgery, especially if general anesthesia was used, patients are at risk for respiratory complications such as airway obstruction, hypoventilation, or pulmonary embolism. Ensuring that the patient is breathing adequately and that their oxygen saturation levels are within normal limits is the priority. This assessment can guide further interventions, such as repositioning the patient, providing supplemental oxygen, or stimulating the patient to encourage deeper breathing.

While evaluating pain level, wound condition, and mobility are also important considerations in postoperative care, they come after ensuring the airway is patent and the patient is breathing effectively. Compromised respiratory function can lead to serious complications, making it essential to address this first.