Which of the following is a priority finding to report after surgery using general anesthesia?

A drastic increase in heart rate is a significant finding after surgery using general anesthesia. This change can indicate potential complications, such as hypoxia, pain, or an adverse reaction to anesthesia. In the postoperative setting, monitoring heart rate is crucial because it can reflect the patient's overall stability.

While a decrease in blood pressure is noted, a drop from 130/72 to 110/68 may not be immediately alarming, as it can be a normal response to anesthesia and not necessarily a priority finding. The heart rate is a more immediate indicator of cardiovascular stability, making it vital to report drastic changes.

Similarly, a slight elevation in temperature and an increase in respiratory rate can be common post-surgical responses and may not be severe enough to warrant immediate concern, especially if they are within a range that may be expected due to anesthesia effects. Therefore, monitoring these parameters is important, but they do not denote the same level of urgency as a drastic increase in heart rate following surgery.