What is a priority nursing action when a postsurgical patient complains of shortness of breath?
a. Raise the head of the bed to 30 degrees.
b. Take vital signs.
c. Perform a focused assessment.
d. Inform the charge nurse.
A
Although all these options will be eventually performed, the initial implementation should be to raise the head of the bed to ease breathing, perform a focused assessment with vital signs and oxygen concentration, and then inform the charge nurse about the patient's symptoms and your assessment findings.
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