Upon receiving a client from the post-anesthesia care unit, what is the nurse's priority action?

The priority action for the nurse upon receiving a client from the post-anesthesia care unit is to assess the patency of the airway. After anesthesia, patients may experience respiratory complications, including airway obstruction. Ensuring that the airway is clear and functioning properly is crucial for the client's immediate safety and for preventing any compromise to their oxygenation and overall respiratory status.

Assessing the airway includes checking for any potential blockages caused by the tongue or secretions and confirming that the client can adequately breathe. This action is foundational to all further assessments and interventions, as an obstructed airway can lead to severe complications, including hypoxia or respiratory arrest.

Other considerations, such as notifying the surgeon, checking medication orders, or documenting the transfer time, are important but are secondary to ensuring the airway is clear first. Without a patent airway, any medical intervention or communication about the client’s status would be futile. Therefore, immediate assessment of the airway is the critical first step in nursing care in this scenario.