Final answer:
If an adult patient who had surgery suddenly becomes restless, the nurse should assess the patient's vital signs, level of pain, and surgical site to identify the cause of restlessness and take appropriate action.
Step-by-step explanation:
If an adult patient who had surgery suddenly becomes restless, the next action by the nurse should be to assess the patient's vital signs, level of pain, and surgical site. Restlessness can be a sign of complications such as pain, infection, or anxiety. By assessing these factors, the nurse can determine the underlying cause of the restlessness and take appropriate action.
For example, if the patient's vital signs are stable and there are no signs of infection or surgical complications, the nurse may consider administering pain medication or providing reassurance and emotional support to alleviate anxiety. However, if the patient's vital signs are unstable or there are signs of infection or surgical complications, the nurse should notify the surgeon or anesthesia professional immediately for further evaluation and intervention.
In summary, when an adult patient who had surgery becomes restless, the nurse's next action should be to assess vital signs, level of pain, and surgical site to identify the cause of restlessness and take appropriate action based on the assessment findings.