Question

Upon arrival in the post-anesthesia care unit, the nurse performs the initial assessment of a client who had surgery under general anesthesia. Which assessment finding prompts the nurse to notify the health care provider immediately?

Answer 1

The nurse in the post-anesthesia care unit should notify the health care provider immediately if there are signs of respiratory distress, obstructed airway, or oxygen desaturation, as well as abnormal vital signs that can indicate life-threatening conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Upon arrival in the post-anesthesia care unit, the nurse performs the initial assessment of a client who had surgery under general anesthesia. Among the possible concerning findings, an assessment that reveals compromised airway or breathing issues prompts immediate notification of the health care provider. Given that muscles necessary for breathing can be affected by general anesthesia and with the knowledge that the safest procedure to maintain an open airway is endotracheal intubation, the nurse should alert the health care provider if there are signs of respiratory distress, obstructed airway, or oxygen desaturation. Other critical findings would include abnormal vital signs such as hypotension, tachycardia, or signs of poor perfusion. These assessments are critical as they can indicate potentially life-threatening conditions such as bleeding, infection, or allergic reactions.