A nurse is caring for a patient 4 hours after a thyroidectomy. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

A. Neck swelling and stridor: Neck swelling with stridor indicates airway compromise, likely due to postoperative hemorrhage or hematoma compressing the trachea. This is a life-threatening emergency after thyroidectomy and requires immediate intervention to secure the airway and prevent respiratory arrest. Rapid assessment and notification of the surgeon are critical. B. Oxygen saturation of 95%: An oxygen saturation of 95% is slightly below normal but not immediately life-threatening. It should be monitored closely, but it does not require the same urgent response as signs of airway obstruction. C. Pain at the incision site: Pain is expected after thyroid surgery and is typically managed with analgesics. While important for patient comfort, it does not indicate a life-threatening complication requiring immediate action. D. Hoarseness: Temporary hoarseness is common after thyroidectomy due to laryngeal nerve irritation. It is usually transient and not an immediate threat to airway patency, although persistent or worsening hoarseness should be monitored.