After a cesarean delivery with an epidural, what is the nurse’s initial action in the post-op period?

• A. Access level of consciousness
• B. Check lung sounds
• C. Inspect the incision
• D. Monitor urination

Answer: (A)

The main thing being tested is recognizing that the top priority after surgery with anesthesia is ensuring the patient can protect their airway and respond appropriately. After a cesarean delivery with an epidural, the nurse must first assess level of consciousness to see if the patient is awake enough to maintain ventilation and respond to commands. This helps detect any sedation or respiratory depression from anesthesia or opioids, so immediate actions can be taken if needed. Once the patient is arousable and breathing adequately, you would then proceed to other checks—such as listening to the lungs, inspecting the incision, and monitoring urine—but those are steps following the initial assessment of consciousness and airway.