A nurse is planning care for a client who is 8 hr postoperative following a coronary artery bypass grafting. Which of the following assessments should the nurse plan to perform first?

A. Auscultate breath sounds is correct. Following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), airway and respiratory status are the top priority because complications such as atelectasis, pulmonary edema, or pneumonia can develop quickly. According to the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) framework, assessing breath sounds and ensuring adequate oxygenation takes precedence over other assessments. B. Measure the client's core body temperature is incorrect as the first action. While monitoring temperature is important for detecting infection or hypothermia, it is not immediately life-threatening and can be performed after airway and breathing are assessed. C. Palpate pulses distal to the graft donor site is incorrect as the first action. Assessing peripheral perfusion is important to ensure graft and limb viability, but it does not take priority over assessing respiratory function, which is critical for oxygenation. D. Examine the surgical incision for drainage is incorrect as the first action. Wound assessment is essential for early detection of bleeding or infection, but it is secondary to maintaining airway and breathing in the immediate postoperative period.