The nurse is admitting a client to the medical-surgical unit following

The nurse is admitting a client to the medical-surgical unit following a cholecystectomy. Which assessment should the nurse perform first?

1. Level of consciousness
2. Dressing
3. Drains
4. Skin color

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: The nurse should assess the client’s level of consciousness first.
Rationale 2: The operative dressing is not assessed first.
Rationale 3: Any operative drains are not assessed first.
Rationale 4: The client’s skin color is not assessed first.