Which action should be prioritized when a patient is experiencing a cough post-surgery?

Prioritizing the action of notifying the doctor about the patient's post-surgery cough is crucial because a change in the patient's condition after surgery may indicate potential complications, such as an infection, atelectasis, or other respiratory issues. Proper and timely communication with the physician is essential to ensure the appropriate assessments and interventions can be employed quickly. In a post-operative setting, any unusual symptoms warrant immediate attention as they can significantly affect the patient’s recovery trajectory.

While notifying the charge nurse or discussing the cough with another nurse may also be important, these actions do not ensure that the patient receives prompt medical evaluation and intervention, which could be critical depending on the underlying cause of the cough. Explaining the situation to Mr. Dominec, while part of effective communication and patient care, does not address the possible medical implications of the cough and should not take precedence over notifying the doctor. Therefore, the most appropriate and immediate course of action is to alert the physician to the change in the patient's status.