Ensuring the side rails are up helps prevent falls, which are a significant safety risk in drowsy post-operative patients. Providing a call light promotes safe communication with the nursing staff. Physical restraints are unnecessary unless absolutely indicated and may cause additional stress.
A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute indicates opioid-induced respiratory depression. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, must be administered immediately to reverse the effects of opioids and prevent hypoxia. Increasing oxygen alone does not address the underlying cause.
Before transport, the patient’s airway stability and vital signs must be stable to ensure their safety during transfer. Pain management and family notification are important but secondary considerations.
Restlessness and agitation may result from pain, hypoxia, or delirium post-anesthesia. The nurse must first assess for underlying causes and reorient the patient as needed. Restraints or sedation should only be considered if the behavior persists and poses harm.
Reinforcing the dressing maintains sterility while managing minor bleeding. Removing the dressing risks contamination and disrupting the clotting process. The surgeon should be notified for further evaluation and intervention as necessary.
