Which nursing action should be performed first when seeing a client post CABG?

Monitoring for dysrhythmias is the priority nursing action after a client has undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This is because surgery on the heart can disrupt its normal electrical conduction pathways, making the patient susceptible to various dysrhythmias. Immediate assessment of cardiac rhythm and the stability of the patient’s heart rate is crucial for early detection of potentially life-threatening complications such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, or other abnormal rhythms, which can significantly impact hemodynamics and overall recovery.

Other critical assessments, like assessing for pain at the incision site or monitoring mental status, are also important but can follow after ensuring cardiac stability. It's essential to prioritize actions that address immediate physiological needs; thus, monitoring for dysrhythmias takes precedence to ensure that any abnormal rhythms are identified and managed swiftly to maintain the patient's safety.