Final answer:
The priority nursing assessment before removing a nasogastric tube is to check for abdominal distension to ensure there's no indication of recurrence or complications after an intestinal obstruction has resolved.
Step-by-step explanation:
The priority nursing assessment prior to removing a nasogastric tube from a client with a resolved intestinal obstruction is to check for abdominal distension. The nurse should assess if the abdomen is distended, which could indicate a risk of recurrence or another complication. It's crucial to ensure that the obstruction has indeed resolved, and the abdominal distension would be an important sign to consider.
Other assessments, while important in their own right, are secondary in this specific context. Bowel sounds could be checked to confirm the return of intestinal activity. Respiratory rate may be assessed as standard practice for any procedure but isn't the priority in this case. Finally, oral intake tolerance would be considered once the tube is out to ensure the patient can eat and drink without issues.
The surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional review aloud the key concerns for the recovery and care of the patient, and confirming that the obstruction is no longer present through lack of abdominal distension is vital before proceeding with the removal of the nasogastric tube.