The PACU nurse is caring for a male patient who had a hernia repair. The patients blood pressure is now $164 / 92 \mathrm{~mm} \mathrm{Hg}$; he has no history of hypertension prior to surgery and his preoperative blood pressure was $112 / 68 \mathrm{~mm} \mathrm{Hg}$. The nurse should assess for what potential causes of hypertension following surgery?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hypertension is common in the immediate postoperative period secondary to sympathetic nervous system stimulation from pain, hypoxia, or bladder distention. Dysrhythmias, blood loss, hyperthermia, electrolyte imbalances, and neurologic changes are not common postoperative reasons for hypertension. A parasympathetic reaction and low blood volumes would cause hypotension.

The PACU Nurse Is Caring for a Male Patient Who 164/92 mmHg164 / 92 \mathrm{~mm} \mathrm{Hg}164/92 mmHg

The PACU Nurse Is Caring for a Male Patient Who $164 / 92 \mathrm{~mm} \mathrm{Hg}$