A nurse is monitoring a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. Which of the following data should the nurse identify as the priority to monitor?

Choice A reason: Effective hand hygiene is the most important measure to prevent the transmission of hepatitis A, as the virus can be spread through close personal contact and by eating food or drinking water handled by someone who is infected¹. Handwashing with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food is crucial.

Choice B reason: While avoiding raw foods can help prevent the transmission of various foodborne illnesses, hepatitis A is not commonly associated with raw foods unless they are contaminated during handling after cooking. However, it is still a good practice to avoid raw or undercooked foods in areas where hepatitis A is common.

Choice C reason:
Hepatitis A virus is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, not through sexual contact. However, barrier protection can reduce the risk of transmission for many other infections, including other types of viral hepatitis that are sexually transmitted.

Choice D reason:
Eating at fast food restaurants is not inherently risky for hepatitis A transmission unless the food or water is contaminated. It is more important to ensure that all food is properly handled and cooked, regardless of the dining establishment.

Choice A reason:
While monitoring urinary output is important after surgery to ensure kidney function and that the urinary tract has not been compromised during surgery, it is not the immediate priority. The nurse should ensure that the client is not experiencing postoperative complications such as urinary retention, but this comes after the assessment of vital signs.

Choice B reason:
Oxygen saturation is the priority assessment for a client being admitted from the PACU following an abdominal hysterectomy. Maintaining adequate oxygenation is critical after anesthesia, as respiratory function can be compromised. The nurse must ensure the client's airway is clear and that they are receiving sufficient oxygen to prevent hypoxia and other respiratory complications.

Choice C reason:
Inspecting the abdominal dressing is necessary to check for signs of bleeding or infection at the surgical site. However, this is not the first priority upon admission from the PACU. The nurse will assess the dressing after vital signs and oxygen saturation have been addressed.

Choice D reason:
Pain management is a significant part of postoperative care, and the nurse will need to assess the client's pain level to manage it effectively. However, the immediate priority is to ensure the client's vital signs are stable, which includes oxygen saturation, before addressing pain.