When receiving a postoperative patient, what should the nurse assess first?

Assessing the patient's airway and respiratory status is the top priority in the postoperative setting due to the significant risk of airway compromise after surgery. Anesthesia and surgery can lead to respiratory depression due to the effects of narcotics and anesthetic agents, which can significantly impair the patient’s ability to breathe adequately. Ensuring that the airway is patent and that the patient is breathing effectively is essential for preventing hypoxia and other respiratory complications.

By prioritizing airway and respiratory assessment, the nurse can quickly identify any immediate needs for interventions, such as providing supplemental oxygen or suctioning, which are critical to maintaining the patient's safety and stability. Once the airway is secured, other assessments, such as the abdomen for bowel sounds, establishing IV access for medications, and comparing vital signs, can be performed in a timely manner. Ensuring adequate respiratory function is foundational to all other assessments and interventions in the postoperative recovery phase.