After a thyroidectomy, which complication should the nurse prioritize for assessment?

After a thyroidectomy, the priority complication for assessment is laryngeal stridor. This condition indicates potential airway obstruction, which can arise from edema or hematoma in the area surrounding the surgical site. Given the proximity of the thyroid gland to the trachea and larynx, any swelling or compression can impair the patient's ability to breathe, making it critical to assess for signs of respiratory distress promptly.

Laryngeal stridor is characterized by a high-pitched wheezing sound and may be accompanied by difficulty breathing, which requires immediate intervention. The airway is a priority in post-operative care, and recognizing signs of stridor allows nurses to act quickly, ensuring the patient's safety and potentially providing interventions such as oxygen therapy or securing the airway.

While other complications like hypoglycemia, severe edema, and pneumothorax can be serious, they do not pose the immediate threat to the airway that laryngeal stridor does. Therefore, prioritizing the assessment of respiratory function and potential airway compromise following thyroid surgery is essential for effective post-operative care.