The nurse is caring for a patient who is sedated following a colonoscopy. Which is the priority action of the nurse?
A) Provide a quiet, dark environment so that the patient can rest comfortably.
B) Monitor the patient's pulse oximetry and respirations closely.
C) Inform the patient that the procedure has been completed.
D) Assess the patient's bowel sounds and passage of flatus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The priority intervention for sedated patients is to monitor pulse oximetry and
respirations closely because sedation may suppress the respiratory drive. The nurse
should monitor vital signs until the patient is fully awake and observe stools for
visible blood. The nurse should also instruct the patient to report any abdominal pain as these assessment findings are alerts for possible perforation of bowel, hypotension, and hemorrhage. Providing a quiet environment is nice for the patient, but dim lighting may impair the nurse's ability to assess the patient. Informing the patient that the procedure has been completed is not a priority. Assessing the patient's bowel sounds and passage of flatus is not as important as careful respiratory monitoring.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Is Sedated