Postoperative care for a thyroidectomy should always include monitoring for which of the following?

Monitoring for respiratory distress is crucial in postoperative care following a thyroidectomy due to the potential complications that can arise from the surgical procedure. The thyroid gland is located in close proximity to the trachea, and any swelling or displacement during or after surgery can lead to airway obstruction. Additionally, the risk of damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve during the operation poses a threat to the patient's ability to breathe deeply or speak, as it can affect the vocal cords and thus the airway's patency.

Monitoring for respiratory distress ensures that any signs of obstruction or airway compromise can be quickly identified and addressed, safeguarding the patient's safety. While bleeding, hypoglycemia, and hypotension are relevant considerations in postoperative care, the immediate danger of compromised airway makes respiratory distress a priority in this context.