The patient requires surgery to remove a bullet from his neck. This surgery is classified as:

A. Observe the amount of drainage from the surgical site. While the nurse in the PACU should monitor for complications, the primary focus is on the patient’s immediate recovery, such as airway management and vital signs. Drainage is important but is usually addressed once the patient is stable.

B. Assist the patient to maintain a patent airway. The primary role in the PACU is to monitor and maintain the patient’s airway. Ensuring that the patient is breathing properly is the most critical priority immediately postoperatively.

C. Keep the family posted on the patient's condition. While family communication is important, it is not the primary function of the nurse in the PACU, as the focus should be on monitoring the patient’s immediate condition post-surgery.

D. Maintain safety for the patient while unconscious. The nurse in the PACU must ensure that the patient is safe while unconscious, including monitoring for complications from anesthesia and ensuring that the patient’s vital signs remain stable.

E. Stimulate the patient to hasten return of consciousness. While it is important to help the patient regain consciousness, this should be done gently. The nurse should not aggressively stimulate the patient, as anesthesia will wear off naturally over time.

A. Dehiscence: Dehiscence refers to the partial or total separation of the wound's layers, often occurring after surgery, such as when coughing increases intra-abdominal pressure.

B. Laceration: A laceration refers to a tear or break in the skin due to trauma, not a surgical complication.

C. Evisceration: Evisceration occurs when the internal organs protrude through the wound, which is a more severe complication than dehiscence.

D. Autologous: Autologous refers to using a person's own tissues or cells (e.g., blood transfusion), not a wound complication.