A nurse is obtaining a client's vital signs. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the charge nurse?

A. Postoperative ambulation is important for recovery and preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis, but it is not the most critical focus in the immediate preoperative period for a client undergoing a total laryngectomy.
B. Stoma site cleaning is the priority for the nurse to reinforce. After a total laryngectomy, the client will have a permanent stoma (opening) in the neck for breathing. Proper care and cleaning of the stoma site are essential to prevent infection, maintain airway patency, and ensure the client can manage their new method of breathing effectively.
C. Pain management is an important aspect of postoperative care, but it is secondary to ensuring that the client understands how to care for their stoma. Addressing pain is essential for comfort, but it does not take precedence over the immediate care required for the stoma.
D. Coughing and deep breathing are important for maintaining lung function and preventing complications such as pneumonia after surgery, but they are not the most critical teaching point for a client who will have a stoma after a total laryngectomy. The priority should be on the specific care of the stoma to ensure safety and effective breathing postoperatively.

A. Medical health insurance claims. While insurance coverage is important for referral approval, the physical therapist primarily requires clinical information related to the client's mobility and functional status. Insurance details are handled by administrative staff rather than included in the clinical referral.
B. Physical assessment findings. The physical therapist needs relevant assessment findings, such as muscle strength, range of motion, balance, gait, and mobility limitations. These details help guide therapy goals and interventions to improve the client’s functional abilities.
C. Family medical history. While family history is useful for identifying genetic predispositions to conditions, it is not essential for a physical therapy referral. The focus should be on the client’s current physical status rather than hereditary factors.
D. Medications taken prior to admission. Although a client’s medication history is important for overall care, it is not the primary concern for a physical therapy referral unless specific medications affect mobility, such as muscle relaxants or sedatives. The therapist will rely more on current physical assessment findings to determine appropriate interventions.