The nurse is caring for a postoperative client who is receiving nasogastric suction and is anxious with incisional pain. The client's respiratory rate is 32 breaths/minute and the arterial blood gases (ABGs) indicate respiratory alkalosis. Which of thefollowing actions should the nurse take first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client'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 client for pain.
Although the nasogastric suction may contribute to the alkalosis, it is not appropriate to discontinue the tube when the client needs gastric suction. The health care provider may be notified about the ABGs but is likely to instruct the nurse to medicate for pain. The client will not be able to take slow, deep breaths when experiencing pain.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Postoperative Client Who Is