In the case of Fred Kingsley, who underwent vocal cord polyp removal, what is the practical nurse's priority assessment in the immediate postoperative period?

In the case of Fred Kingsley, who underwent vocal cord polyp removal, what is the practical nurse's priority assessment in the immediate postoperative period?

• A. Hemorrhage
• B. Pain
• C. Difficulty swallowing
• D. Oral pharyngeal edema

Answer: (A)

Airway protection after vocal cord surgery hinges on detecting hemorrhage early. Bleeding around the vocal cords can rapidly form a hematoma or bleed into the airway, which can block breathing and threaten the patient’s life. While pain, swallowing difficulties, and expected swelling are important to monitor, they don’t pose the immediate, life-threatening airway risk that a postoperative bleed does. The practical nurse should vigilantly assess for signs of bleeding in the immediate period: any blood in the mouth or throat, repeated swallowing or clearing of the throat, restlessness or pallor, and changes in vital signs such as a rapid pulse or drop in blood pressure that could indicate significant blood loss. Always be ready to protect the airway: keep suction available, monitor for signs of airway compromise (like stridor or increased work of breathing), maintain the patient in a position that favors airflow, and notify the physician promptly if bleeding is suspected.

Airway protection after vocal cord surgery hinges on detecting hemorrhage early. Bleeding around the vocal cords can rapidly form a hematoma or bleed into the airway, which can block breathing and threaten the patient’s life. While pain, swallowing difficulties, and expected swelling are important to monitor, they don’t pose the immediate, life-threatening airway risk that a postoperative bleed does.

The practical nurse should vigilantly assess for signs of bleeding in the immediate period: any blood in the mouth or throat, repeated swallowing or clearing of the throat, restlessness or pallor, and changes in vital signs such as a rapid pulse or drop in blood pressure that could indicate significant blood loss. Always be ready to protect the airway: keep suction available, monitor for signs of airway compromise (like stridor or increased work of breathing), maintain the patient in a position that favors airflow, and notify the physician promptly if bleeding is suspected.