Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 74%
Simulated
A client who was in a motor vehicle accident has a fractured mandible. Surgery has been performed to immobilize the injury by wiring the jaw. In the immediate postoperative phase, the nurse should:
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Maintaining a patent airway is the priority in the immediate postoperative phase for a client with a wired jaw, as swelling or secretions could obstruct the airway. While the other interventions are important, airway management is the most critical.