A patient who is intubated is exhibiting rhonchi and has a pulse oximeter of 92%, soft abdomen, heart rate of 88 bpm, and blood pressure of 98/54 mmHg. Which would be the nurse's first priority?

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The patient is exhibiting rhonchi, which indicates mucus or fluid in the airways, and a low pulse oximetry reading of 92%, indicating the patient is not receiving enough oxygen. Therefore, suctioning the patient to remove secretions and increase airway clearance is the nurse's first priority to improve oxygenation. Contacting the physician may be necessary, but suctioning the patient should be done first. Increasing the oxygen may also be necessary, but it is not the priority intervention in this case. Starting dopamine is not indicated based on the patient's vital signs.

A Patient Who Is Intubated Is Exhibiting Rhonchi and Has