Final answer:
The primary nursing intervention after a pneumonectomy is to monitor respiratory status, which includes assessing breathing rate and oxygen saturation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The priority nursing intervention for a patient returning to the nursing unit after a right pneumonectomy is to monitor the patient's respiratory status. This includes assessing breathing rate, oxygen saturation, and looking for any signs of respiratory distress. The medical team should review key concerns for recovery and care, which might include managing pain, monitoring for complications like infection or bleeding, and ensuring proper respiratory function is maintained. Clarithromycin is an antibiotic that may be prescribed post-surgery for infection prevention or treatment, particularly if gram-negative rods are present, as was the case with John, the patient in the scenario.