A nurse is caring for a client following an open reduction and internal fixation of a fractured femur.
Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?

Choice A rationale

Babies at around 6 months are developing object permanence and might experience anxiety if they cannot see familiar faces, such as their mother's due to the mask.

Choice B rationale

Hunger is a common cause of crying in infants but doesn't specifically relate to the scenario provided regarding the mask.

Choice C rationale

Cold can cause discomfort in infants, leading to crying, but this is more of a general response and not directly related to the mask scenario.

Choice D rationale

Stress can cause crying, but the specific trigger in the scenario is the mother's masked face, causing potential anxiety.

Choice A rationale

Headache could indicate various conditions but is not immediately life-threatening post-surgery. It may be due to medication or anesthesia but is not the priority.

Choice B rationale

Altered level of consciousness (LOC) is a critical finding. It may indicate complications such as hemorrhage, fat embolism, or hypoxia, which require urgent assessment and intervention.

Choice C rationale

Muscle spasms can be a common symptom post-surgery due to pain or positioning. While they need management, they do not take precedence over LOC changes.

Choice D rationale

An oral temperature of 37.7°C is slightly elevated but not alarming. It may be due to the body's normal inflammatory response post-surgery.