The postanesthesia care nurse is caring for a client who had gastric banding surgery and was extubated an hour ago.The client's blood gases are as follows: pH,7.22; HCO₃^- 21 mEq/L; PCO₂,65 mm Hg; and PO₂,58 mm Hg.Which is the priority action by the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Obese clients are at higher risk for hypoventilation.The arterial blood gas values indicate acute respiratory acidosis with hypoxia.The client needs oxygen.However,if the airway is not patent,increasing the oxygen flow rate will be of minimal benefit.The first action is to ensure a patent airway and then apply oxygen,notify the physician,and document events.The client may need to be re-intubated and mechanically ventilated.Checking the client's oxygen saturation level will provide no additional information about the client's oxygenation status.

The Postanesthesia Care Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who