A nurse assesses a patient after a thyroidectomy. The priority assessment is:

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

Post-thyroidectomy priorities: (1) Airway — swelling/hemorrhage can compress trachea. Keep tracheostomy tray at bedside. (2) Hemorrhage — check posterior neck for blood. (3) Laryngeal nerve damage — hoarseness. (4) Hypocalcemia — Trousseau/Chvostek signs (parathyroid damage).