The nurse is assessing a client who is one day postoperative parathyroidectomy and finds that the client is experiencing stridor. After notifying the healthcare provider (HCP), the nurse should prepare for which procedure?

A. Nasogastric tube (NGT) insertion: A nasogastric tube is used for gastric decompression, medication administration, or enteral feeding. It does not address airway obstruction or respiratory compromise. Stridor following parathyroid surgery suggests upper airway narrowing, often due to laryngeal edema or compressive hematoma, conditions that require airway management. B. Central line insertion: Central venous catheterization is typically performed for administration of vasoactive medications, long-term IV therapy, or hemodynamic monitoring. While useful in critically ill patients, it does not treat acute airway compromise. In this scenario, the immediate concern is obstruction of the upper airway indicated by stridor. C. Tracheostomy placement: Stridor is a high-pitched inspiratory sound indicating partial upper airway obstruction. After parathyroidectomy or thyroid surgery, postoperative swelling, hematoma formation, or laryngeal nerve injury can rapidly compromise the airway. Preparing for a tracheostomy ensures a secure airway below the level of obstruction and is a life-saving intervention if airway compromise progresses. D. Pacemaker placement: A pacemaker is used to treat cardiac conduction abnormalities such as symptomatic bradycardia or heart block. The client’s immediate symptom—stridor—reflects airway obstruction rather than a cardiac conduction issue.