The nurse admits a patient to the surgical unit from the postanesthesia care unit.The patient has an oral airway in place and awakens only to painful stimuli.What is the priority nursing action?

A) Remove the oral airway and elevate the head of the bed.
B) Position the patient with the head turned to the side.
C) Measure vital signs and check surgical dressing.
D) Call the surgeon and obtain postoperative prescriptions.

The oral airway should not be removed until the patient is more awake,and elevating the head of the bed is not appropriate until the patient is more responsive.The most important priority is to position the patient with the head turned to the side to prevent aspiration of secretions or emesis if the patient should vomit.Vital signs and dressing checks are important but not the highest priority.Postsurgical prescriptions are written when the patient is in postanesthesia care and come to the floor with the patient.