After an endotracheal tube is removed, what symptom indicates a need for immediate nursing intervention?

Inspiratory stridor accompanied by sternal retraction is a critical symptom that indicates a need for immediate nursing intervention after the removal of an endotracheal tube. This combination of signs suggests airway obstruction and potential respiratory distress, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. Stridor is a high-pitched sound that occurs during inspiration, indicating narrowed airways, while sternal retraction reflects increased efforts to breathe due to airway obstruction. These symptoms require immediate assessment and action, such as ensuring the airway is clear and possibly providing supplemental oxygen or re-establishing airway patency to prevent respiratory failure.

The other symptoms, while they may indicate some level of discomfort or minor complications, do not denote the same urgency. A dry cough, increased heart rate, and sore throat can be common postoperative experiences and, while they should be monitored, they typically do not necessitate the same level of immediate concern as stridor and retraction, which signify a potentially obstructed airway situation demanding swift intervention.