A patient who had a transverse colectomy for diverticulosis 18 hours ago has nasogastric suction. The patient complains of anxiety and incisional pain. The patient's respiratory rate is 32 breaths/min,and the arterial blood gases (ABGs)indicate respiratory alkalosis. Which action should the nurse take first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's respiratory alkalosis is caused by the increased respiratory rate associated with pain and anxiety. The nurse's first action should be to medicate the patient for pain. The health care provider may be notified about the ABGs but is likely to instruct the nurse to medicate for pain. The patient will not be able to take slow,deep breaths when experiencing pain. Checking the nasogastric tube can wait until the patient has been medicated for pain.

A Patient Who Had a Transverse Colectomy for Diverticulosis 18