A client undergoes a subtotal thyroidectomy. The nurse ensures that which priority item is at the client's bedside upon arrival from the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU)?

After thyroidectomy, respiratory distress can occur from tetany, tissue swelling, or hemorrhage. It is important to have oxygen and suction equipment readily available and in working order if such an emergency were to arise. Apnea is not a problem associated with thyroidectomy, unless the client experienced respiratory arrest. Blood transfusions can be administered without a warmer, if necessary. Phytonadione would not be administered for a client who is hemorrhaging, unless deficiencies in clotting factors warrant its administration.