Question

The nurse is working on a surgical floor and is preparing to receive a postoperative patient from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). What should the nurse's initial action be upon the patient's arrival?

a. Assess the patient's pain.
b. Assess the patient's vital signs.
c. Check the rate of the IV infusion.
d. Check the physician's postoperative orders.

Answer 1

The nurse's initial action should be to assess the patient's vital signs upon their arrival from the PACU.

Step-by-step explanation:

Upon the patient's arrival from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) to the surgical floor, the nurse's initial action should be to assess the patient's vital signs. This includes checking the patient's blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. Assessing the patient's vital signs provides important information about their overall health and helps the nurse monitor for any signs of complications or changes in their condition.

Only after assessing the patient's vital signs and ensuring their stability, can the nurse move on to other tasks such as assessing the patient's pain, checking the rate of the IV infusion, and checking the physician's postoperative orders.