Medical Quizzes Medical Surgery

Question:
A newly admitted client is diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease undergoes an excisional cervical lymph node biopsy under local anesthesia. What does the nurse assess first after the procedure?

Option A):
Incision site
Option B):
Airway
Option C):
Vital signs
Option D):
Level of consciousness

Correct Answer is Option B):
Airway

Explanation:
Assessing for an open airway is the priority. The procedure involves the neck, the anesthesia may have affected the swallowing reflex or the inflammation may have closed in on the airway leading to ineffective air exchange.