The nurse assumes care of a patient in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). The patient had abdominal surgery and is receiving intravenous morphine sulfate for pain. The patient is asleep and has not voided since prior to surgery. The nurse assesses a respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute and notes hypoactive bowel sounds. The nurse will contact the surgeon primarily to report which condition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should contact the surgeon primarily to report respiratory depression as a respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute is below the normal range and may indicate inadequate ventilation or oxygenation. It is important to monitor and manage respiratory depression to prevent respiratory arrest. While hypoactive bowel sounds and urinary retention may also be concerns, they are secondary to the immediate threat of respiratory depression. Paralytic ileus may also be a concern, but there is no evidence to support this diagnosis at this time.

The Nurse Assumes Care of a Patient in the Post-Anesthesia