Mr. Hawkins has radical neck surgery for cancer of the larynx. Which of the following is the most important assessment postsurgery?

Mr. Hawkins has radical neck surgery for cancer of the larynx. Which of the following is the most important assessment postsurgery?

• A. Pain
• B. Temperature
• C. Stridor
• D. Serosanguinous oozing from the operative site

Answer: (C)

Airway patency is the top priority after major neck surgery. Edema, hematoma, or tissue swelling can rapidly narrow or block the airway in this region, so signs that the airway is compromised demand immediate attention. Stridor is a high-pitched, noisy breath sound produced when there’s significant narrowing of the upper airway, often from edema or a developing hematoma after neck procedures. Its presence signals that the patient may soon lose the airway if action isn’t taken, making it the most critical post-op assessment. Pain, temperature, and serosanguinous drainage reflect other potential issues (comfort, infection, bleeding) but none pose the same immediate threat to life as an obstructed airway. If stridor appears, expect rapid escalation in monitoring and be prepared to intervene to secure the airway.

Airway patency is the top priority after major neck surgery. Edema, hematoma, or tissue swelling can rapidly narrow or block the airway in this region, so signs that the airway is compromised demand immediate attention. Stridor is a high-pitched, noisy breath sound produced when there’s significant narrowing of the upper airway, often from edema or a developing hematoma after neck procedures. Its presence signals that the patient may soon lose the airway if action isn’t taken, making it the most critical post-op assessment.

Pain, temperature, and serosanguinous drainage reflect other potential issues (comfort, infection, bleeding) but none pose the same immediate threat to life as an obstructed airway. If stridor appears, expect rapid escalation in monitoring and be prepared to intervene to secure the airway.