The following arterial blood gas (ABG) results indicate?

pH-7.13

PaCO2-38.8 mmHg

PaO2-83 mmHg

HCO3-13.2 mEq/L

BE-(-14.5) O2 Sat-95%

A. Ensure that the device is positioned and attached appropriately: Proper positioning of a nasal cannula is important to maintain consistent oxygen delivery and prevent pressure sores, but it does not address the underlying cause of nasal dryness caused by the high flow of oxygen. This intervention alone is insufficient to relieve mucosal irritation.

B. Use a cotton tip swab to apply petroleum to the nares: Applying petroleum-based products inside the nares is contraindicated because petroleum is flammable and poses a serious fire risk when oxygen is in use. It also does not provide adequate hydration to nasal mucosa.

C. Switch the oxygen delivery device to a simple face mask: Switching to a face mask may alter oxygen delivery and does not necessarily resolve dryness. Higher flow rates through any non-humidified device can still dry the nasal passages, this may not effectively address the problem.

D. Consult with respiratory therapy about adding humidification: Adding humidification to supplemental oxygen is the most appropriate intervention for dry nares. Humidified oxygen prevents mucosal dryness, irritation, and discomfort while maintaining adequate oxygenation, particularly at flows of 4 liters per minute or higher.

A. Orient the client to the room: Orientation is important for patient comfort and safety, especially after anesthesia when confusion may be present. However, it is not the priority action immediately upon arrival, as physiological stability must be assessed first before addressing environmental familiarity.

B. Assure the call light is within reach: Ensuring the call light is accessible supports patient safety and autonomy, particularly in preventing falls or unmet needs. Despite its importance, this intervention follows confirmation of the patient’s immediate physiological status.

C. Call the provider for orders: Orders are typically already established prior to transfer from the PACU. Contacting the provider without first assessing the patient may delay identification of urgent postoperative complications such as airway compromise, hemorrhage, or hemodynamic instability.

D. Assess vital signs: The immediate priority is to evaluate airway, breathing, circulation, and overall stability following anesthesia. Postoperative clients are at risk for complications such as respiratory depression, hypotension, and bleeding. Assessing vital signs allows early detection of deterioration and guides urgent interventions if needed.