Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 70%
Simulated
A nurse in the PACU is caring for a client. Which of the following assessments is the nurse's priority?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
Respiratory status (C) is critical in PACU to ensure airway patency and oxygenation post-anesthesia. Consciousness (A), pain (B), and surgical site (D) are assessed but are secondary to breathing.