The nurse has just received a patient from the surgical area. After 30 minutes in the recovery area, the patient's vital signs are: pulse 92; blood pressure 110/50; respirations 12; and pulse oximeter 86%. What should be the initial nursing response?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A low pulse oximeter reading indicates that the patient is not oxygenating well, which could be due to respiratory depression. Therefore, the nurse's initial response should be to stimulate the patient to increase their respiratory rate and oxygenation. If the patient does not respond to stimulation, the nurse may need to consider other interventions such as administering oxygen or notifying the physician. However, calling the physician and placing an oral airway at this point would not be appropriate initial responses. Asking for another nurse's opinion may delay necessary interventions.

The Nurse Has Just Received a Patient from the Surgical