A client who had lengthy surgery yesterday suddenly starts to cough, reports dyspnea, and is anxious. The nurse places the client in semi-Fowler's position and obtains vital signs. Which additional assessment is a priority?

A client who had lengthy surgery yesterday suddenly starts to cough, reports dyspnea, and is anxious. The nurse places the client in semi-Fowler's position and obtains vital signs. Which additional assessment is a priority?

• A. Temperature
• B. Oxygen saturation
• C. Blood glucose
• D. Urine output

Answer: (B)

Assessing the patient’s oxygenation status is the immediate priority. Sudden cough, dyspnea, and anxiety after major surgery suggest potential respiratory compromise such as atelectasis or a pulmonary embolism, both of which can rapidly impair gas exchange. A pulse oximetry reading gives rapid, noninvasive information about how well oxygen is being delivered to the blood, guiding urgent actions like supplemental oxygen and escalation of care if needed. Temperature could indicate infection but won’t directly tell you about current gas exchange in this acute moment. Blood glucose and urine output aren’t tied to the immediate respiratory distress you’re observing.

Assessing the patient’s oxygenation status is the immediate priority. Sudden cough, dyspnea, and anxiety after major surgery suggest potential respiratory compromise such as atelectasis or a pulmonary embolism, both of which can rapidly impair gas exchange. A pulse oximetry reading gives rapid, noninvasive information about how well oxygen is being delivered to the blood, guiding urgent actions like supplemental oxygen and escalation of care if needed.

Temperature could indicate infection but won’t directly tell you about current gas exchange in this acute moment. Blood glucose and urine output aren’t tied to the immediate respiratory distress you’re observing.