A patient who has begun to awaken after 30 minutes in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU)is restless and shouting at the nurse. The patient's oxygen saturation is 96%,and recent laboratory results are all normal. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Because the patient's assessment indicates physiologic stability,the most likely cause of the patient's agitation is emergence delirium,which will resolve as the patient wakes up more fully. The nurse should look for a cause such as bladder distention. Although hypoxemia is the most common cause,the patient's oxygen saturation is 96%. Emergence delirium is common in patients recovering from anesthesia,so there is no need to notify the ACP. Orientation of the patient to bed controls is needed but is not likely to be effective until the effects of anesthesia have resolved more completely.

A Patient Who Has Begun to Awaken After 30 Minutes