When caring for a patient during the second postoperative day after abdominal surgery, the nurse obtains an oral temperature of 100.8° F. Which action is appropriate for the nurse to take first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A temperature of 100.8° F in the first 48 hours is usually caused by atelectasis, and the nurse should have the patient cough and deep breathe. This problem may be resolved by nursing intervention, and therefore notifying the health care provider is not necessary. Acetaminophen will reduce the temperature, but it will not resolve the underlying respiratory congestion. Because evidence of wound infection does not usually occur before the third postoperative day, assessment of the incision is not likely to be useful.

When Caring for a Patient During the Second Postoperative Day