A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. Which of the following is a priority for the nurse to monitor during the first 24 hr of care for this client?

A. Visual deficits: Vision changes are not the immediate, first-24-hour threat after thyroidectomy. B. Pain control: Pain management is important but secondary to airway concerns in the immediate postoperative period. C. Airway patency: Edema, hemorrhage, or neck hematoma can rapidly compromise the airway after thyroid surgery, making airway assessment the top priority. D. Hoarseness: Hoarseness may indicate recurrent laryngeal nerve irritation and should be assessed, but it is less immediately life-threatening than airway obstruction.