The nurse notes that the oxygen saturation is 88% in an unconscious patient who was transferred to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) 10 minutes previously. Which action should the nurse take first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In an unconscious postoperative patient, a likely cause of hypoxemia is airway obstruction by the tongue, and the first action is to clear the airway by maneuvers such as the jaw thrust or chin lift. Increasing the oxygen flow rate and suctioning are not helpful when the airway is obstructed by the tongue. Elevating the patient's head will not be effective in correcting the obstruction but may help with oxygenation after the patient is awake.

The Nurse Notes That the Oxygen Saturation Is 88% in an Unconscious