60. A nurse on a medical surgical unit is receiving a client who is postoperative following a laparotomy. In which order should the nurse perform the following actions? (Move the steps, placing them in the order of performance. Use all the steps.)

A. Determine the client's airway patency: Ensuring the airway is patent is the highest priority in the immediate postoperative period because airway compromise can be life-threatening. This assessment is performed first to address the most critical physiological need. B. Evaluate the client's level of consciousness: After airway and basic respiratory assessment, the nurse evaluates the client’s level of consciousness to detect neurological changes, sedation effects from anesthesia, or potential complications. C. Auscultate the client's lung sounds: Respiratory assessment, including auscultation, identifies complications such as atelectasis or pneumonia. While vital, it follows confirming airway patency to prioritize immediate safety. D. Ask the client to rate their pain: Pain assessment is important for comfort and recovery but is performed after addressing airway, breathing, and neurological status. It is lower priority compared with immediate physiological needs.