A nurse is assessing a client who is 6 hr postoperative following a total abdominal hysterectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Rationale:

A. Arterial blood gases will help evaluate the severity of hypoxemia and possible respiratory alkalosis from tachypnea, both of which are common in pulmonary embolism or acute respiratory distress.

B. A CBC helps evaluate for infection (elevated WBCs) and baseline hemoglobin/hematocrit status, especially important postoperatively and in acute deterioration.

C. Although the client is in respiratory distress, oxygen saturation is still 92% on supplemental oxygen and the client is awake and oriented. Intubation is not the immediate anticipated order; less invasive interventions would be tried first unless the client deteriorates further.

D. The presentation is not primarily cardiac ischemia requiring catheterization. The symptoms are more consistent with pulmonary embolism or acute respiratory compromise rather than acute coronary syndrome.

E. A chest X-ray is commonly obtained first to rule out other causes of dyspnea (e.g., pneumonia, atelectasis, pulmonary edema) and to provide baseline lung assessment, even though it may not definitively diagnose PE.

F. BNP may be elevated if there is right-sided heart strain due to a pulmonary embolism or fluid overload. It helps assess cardiac involvement in acute dyspnea.

G. MRI is not indicated for acute respiratory distress in this scenario. It is not useful for evaluating suspected pulmonary embolism or postoperative respiratory complications and would delay urgent care.

Rationale:
A. This statement describes acupressure or acupuncture principles, not biofeedback. Biofeedback does not involve physical stimulation of pressure points. Instead, it uses monitoring devices to provide real-time information about physiological functions so the client can learn to consciously control them.

B. This describes herbal or alternative pharmacologic therapy, not biofeedback. Biofeedback does not involve the use of herbs or any substances. It is a behavioral and mind-body technique that focuses on self-regulation of physiological processes.

C. This reflects concepts associated with massage therapy or practices like Reiki, which focus on manipulating soft tissue or energy flow. Biofeedback does not involve physical manipulation of tissues or energy flow theories.

D. Biofeedback works by using electronic monitoring devices to give the client feedback on physiological functions such as heart rate, muscle tension, or skin temperature. The client then uses relaxation techniques, breathing control, and focused concentration to consciously modify these responses. Over time, this helps reduce migraine frequency and severity by improving self-regulation of stress-related physiological triggers.