The nurse is caring for a client in the PACU and the client's blood pressure has dropped from an admission blood pressure of 138/84 to 100/58 with a pulse change of 68-94. SpO₂ is 98% on 3L of oxygen. In which order should the nurse take these actions?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The first nursing action should be to increase the oxygen flow rate. Since the most common cause of hypotension is volume loss, the IV rate should be increased next. Because hemorrhage is a common cause of postoperative volume loss, the nurse should check the dressing. Finally, the client should be assessed for vasodilation caused by rewarming.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client in the PACU