When a patient is transferred from the operating room to recovery after an ORIF of the ankle, what should be the first assessment?

The first assessment to be conducted after transferring a patient from the operating room to recovery is to check the airway for patency. This step is crucial because the patient may still be under the effects of anesthesia, which can lead to airway compromise. Ensuring that the airway is clear is vital to prevent respiratory distress or hypoxia, making it the priority in postoperative care.

Once the airway has been confirmed to be open and unobstructed, healthcare providers can then proceed to conduct further assessments. Checking the ankle dressings for hemorrhage is important, but it comes after ensuring the patient can breathe adequately. Similarly, while monitoring the intravenous site and pedal pulse are also critical components of postoperative care, they follow the assessment of the airway. Prioritizing airway patency helps secure the patient's immediate safety and allows for complete focus on subsequent evaluations and interventions necessary for recovery.