A postoperative patient who has no previous medical conditions is difficult to arouse when transferred to the surgical unit from the postanesthesia care unit. A nurse monitors the pulse oximeter and gets a reading of 85%
What should be the nurse's next action? a. Assess the pulse oximeter reading again in 1 hour.
b. Arouse the patient, have him cough, and encourage deep breathing.
c. Administer a dose of pain medication.
d. Suction fluid from the oral cavity.
B
If the pulse oximeter reading is less than 90%, the patient should be aroused and encouraged to take deep breaths. The patient's respirations may not be adequate as a result of the effects of anesthesia.
You might also like to view...
The psychiatric-mental health nurse uses an eclectic clinical approach with newly admitted patients who are diagnosed with schizophrenia. Which statement most accurately reflects the therapeutic value of an eclectic approach?
1. Nurses do not need a philosophy of care to direct their practice. 2. It is difficult to determine a final plan of care for new patients with psychotic disorders. 3. There is limited scientific evidence about treatment for schizophrenia, so a variety of medications and interventions must be tried over time. 4. Strategies from one or a combination of psychiatric theories and therapies are used to determine interventions and evaluation criteria for working with each patient.
The nurse is teaching a patient about the available medications for smoking cessation. All of the following would be appropriate to teach the older person except….?
a. Bupropion SR is an acceptable medication b. the patch provides a steady dose of nicotine c. inhalers and nose sprays are now available over the counter d. gum may help control cravings
A nurse is preparing to measure a client's pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP). In what position should the nurse place the client for the most accurate results?
A. Supine, with the head elevated to 45 degrees B. Prone, with the head elevated to 30 degrees C. Trendelenburg position D. Lithotomy position
Which response best reflects appropriate assertiveness by a nurse when approached by a patient who demands medications immediately?
a. "I will get your medications as soon as I am finished with what I am doing right now, so please wait for me in your room.". b. "I will give you your medications as soon as I finish here. It's not appropriate for you to keep asking me for your medications.". c. "I'll check on your medications as soon as I finish with what I am doing. If it is not quite time for your medications I will bring them to you when it is.". d. "We need to talk about your impatient behavior before I give you your medications. You must understand that you are not the only patient on the unit.".