A postoperative nurse is caring for a client whose oxygen saturation dropped from 98% to 95%. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?
a. Assess other indicators of oxygenation.
b. Call the Rapid Response Team.
c. Notify the anesthesia provider.
d. Prepare to intubate the client.
ANS: A
If a postoperative client's oxygen saturation (SaO2) drops below 95% (or the client's baseline), the nurse should notify the anesthesia provider. If the SaO2 drops by 10% or more, the nurse should call the Rapid Response Team. Since this is approximately a 3% drop, the nurse should further assess the client. Intubation (if the client is not intubated already) is not warranted.
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