Final answer:
The nurse should first assess the patient's level of pain after a colon resection surgery and address it accordingly, which might include administering pain medication. Effective communication and team collaboration throughout the surgical process is also crucial for patient care and safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the prioritization of nursing interventions for a patient who is exhibiting signs of pain and distress following a colon resection for colon cancer. When a patient is moaning after being transferred to the Postanesthesia Care Unit (PACU), the first intervention by the nurse should be to assess the patient's level of pain and ensure that it is managed effectively. Pain can be a sign of various complications including, but not limited to, inadequate pain control, hemodynamic instability, or even infection. The nurse's assessment is crucial in determining the source of discomfort and necessary interventions.
It is important to note that effective communication and team collaboration is essential for patient safety and care. This includes performing a 'time out' before the procedure to confirm the patient's identity, surgical site, procedure, and understanding of any anticipated critical events, such as expected blood loss or the duration of the operation. The nurse should also verify that all equipment needed post-surgery is available and sterilized. Similarly, during the 'sign in' phase, critical confirmations about the patient's status are reviewed by the nurse and anesthesia professional before the induction of anesthesia.
Therefore, if the patient is moaning, the nurse should perform a thorough assessment to determine the cause and address it accordingly, including administering pain medication if required. Collaboration among surgeon, nursing staff, and anesthesia staff is critical to the patient's recovery.