Final answer:
Postoperative management in a critical care unit begins with assessing the ABCs for stability, followed by getting a full set of vital signs, connecting the patient to monitoring and ventilation equipment, and ensuring proper IV line functioning and fluid administration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct order of actions in the management of the postoperative surgical trauma patient who has been admitted to the critical care unit after surgery is: c. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation, b. Obtain vital signs, rhythm, oxygen saturation, and neurological status, a. Connect the patient to bedside monitor and mechanical ventilator, d. Reassess and evaluate patency of IV lines, and adjust rate of fluid administration as ordered.
Upon admission to a critical care unit, the first priority is to assess the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs) to ensure stability of the most critical life functions. Subsequently, obtaining the patient’s vital signs, rhythm, oxygen saturation, and neurological status provides a complete overview of their current physiological state. Connecting the patient to a bedside monitor and a mechanical ventilator ensures ongoing assessment of vital functions and support of breathing, if necessary. Lastly, evaluating IV lines for patency and adjusting the fluid administration according to orders is essential for maintaining hydration and medication delivery.