Which assessment finding for a patient 12 hours postoperative parathyroidectomy indicates an emergency?

The presence of laryngeal stridor in a patient 12 hours postoperative parathyroidectomy indicates a potential emergency due to the risk of airway obstruction. After a parathyroidectomy, the surgical manipulation around the neck area can lead to swelling or hematoma formation, which may compress the airway structures. Stridor is a high-pitched sound indicating turbulent airflow in the upper airway, suggesting that there may be significant narrowing or obstruction.

This finding necessitates immediate evaluation and intervention, as airway compromise is a critical condition that requires prompt action. Monitoring and supporting the airway becomes the priority in this scenario, as failure to address stridor can result in respiratory distress or complete airway blockage.

In contrast, while hypocalcemia, increased heart rate, and low blood pressure are significant postoperative complications that warrant monitoring and potential treatment, they do not immediately threaten airway integrity in the same way that stridor does. Hence, the urgency of addressing laryngeal stridor makes it the most critical assessment finding in this context.