Which set of vital signs obtained by the nurse would indicate the need to notify the health care provider?

Question

1. Postoperative client who had abdominal surgery has vital signs of 99.8 °F oral; 120; 10; 108/56.
2. Pulse oximeter probe on the finger of a client diagnosed with hypotension reads 72%.
3. Client who successfully walked the entire hallway after 2 weeks of bed rest has vital signs of 98.8 °F oral; 108; 22; 140/88.
4. Client with no significant medical history who has recently been selected to be a member of the U.S. Olympic swimming team has vital signs of 98.6 °F oral; 52; 12; 98/52.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1

The postoperative client is demonstrating tachycardia and mildly depressed respirations, which could indicate blood loss or dehydration, which is further supported by the mildly elevated temperature. The client with hypotension and a low oxygen saturation reading might be seeing the result of poor perfusion to the sensor site. The sensor should be moved and the client further assessed prior to notifying the primary care provider. It would be expected that the client on bed rest who walked the hall for the first time could be mildly tachycardic and tachypneic. Athletic individuals who are well conditioned often have reduced heart rate and blood pressures, so this client's vital signs might be normal for this individual.