A patient with a major chest injury was originally alert and oriented after recovery from surgery but is now becoming apprehensive and dizzy. What action should be taken by the nurse imme-diately?
a. Notify the healthcare provider.
b. Perform a cardiopulmonary assessment.
c. Elevate the head of the bed to 60 degrees.
d. Provide the patient with pain medication.
B
Apprehension, dizziness, anxiety, a decreased ability to concentrate, and fatigue are indicators of impaired gas exchange. The nurse needs to assess the patient's cardiopulmonary status, including vital signs and pulse oximeter. The healthcare provider will be notified if there is a need for ad-ditional intervention. Elevating the head of the bed may be helpful, but the patient needs to be assessed immediately. Pain medication could decrease the respiratory system, which is already showing an adverse status.
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