NCLEX RN Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a 73-year-old client who underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy 24 hours ago. The client reports mild abdominal pain and dizziness when sitting up in bed. Their current heart rate is 118 beats per minute, respiratory rate is 24 breaths per minute, and blood pressure is 90/58 mmHg. What action should the nurse take first?
Administer prescribed pain medication to address the client’s discomfort.
Notify the healthcare provider and await further instructions.
Offer oral fluids to the client to improve hydration.
Lower the head of the bed and reassess the client’s vital signs.