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?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A pulse oximeter reading of 85% indicates significant hypoxemia and the patient should be aroused, coughed, and encouraged to take deep breaths to improve oxygenation. Waiting to reassess in 1 hour or administering pain medication would not address the immediate need for improved oxygenation. Suctioning fluid from the oral cavity may be appropriate if the patient is experiencing airway obstruction, but should not be the first action taken.

A Postoperative Patient Who Has No Previous Medical Conditions Is