A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is collecting data from a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery.
The client’s BP was 126/72 mm Hg 15 min ago. The nurse now finds that the client’s BP is 176/96 mm Hg. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Aspiration is when food or liquid enters the airway and causes choking or infection. Speech therapists can teach clients exercises to strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing, as well as strategies to prevent aspiration, such as changing the position of the head or the texture of the food.

Choice B is wrong because respiratory therapists help clients with breathing problems, not swallowing problems.

They may provide oxygen therapy, chest physiotherapy, or mechanical ventilation.

Choice C is wrong because physical therapists help clients with mobility problems, not swallowing problems.

They may provide exercises, massage, or assistive devices to improve movement and function.

Choice D is wrong because occupational therapists help clients with daily living activities, not swallowing problems.

They may provide training, adaptive equipment, or environmental modifications to enhance independence and quality of life.

Dysphagia is a medical term for swallowing difficulties.

It can be caused by various conditions that affect the nerves or muscles involved in swallowing, such as stroke, head injury, Parkinson’s disease, or esophageal cancer.

Dysphagia can lead to complications such as malnutrition, dehydration, or aspiration pneumonia.

The correct answer is choice D. The nurse should respect the client’s autonomy and offer assistance if needed.

The nurse should also assess the client’s pain level and provide adequate pain relief before helping the client get out of bed.

Choice A is wrong because it implies that the client is in pain and needs medication, which may not be true.

The nurse should ask the client about their pain level and offer medication if appropriate.

Choice B is wrong because it dismisses the client’s feelings and does not address the underlying issue of why the client does not want to be touched.

Choice C is wrong because it may make the client feel defensive or interrogated.

The nurse should use open-ended questions and active listening to explore the client’s concerns and fears.

According to web sources, postoperative care involves monitoring and managing the client’s vital signs, pain, wound healing, fluid and electrolyte balance, bowel and bladder function, mobility, and psychological status.

The nurse should also educate the client about self-care, wound care, activity restrictions, medication use, signs of complications, and follow-up appointments.

The nurse should also provide emotional support and reassurance to the client and their family.