Question

a nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative following abdominal surgery. the client reports feeling lightheaded and dizzy when attempting to get out of bed for the first time. which of the following actions should the nurse take first? 1. encourage the client to take deep breaths and try again. 2. assist the client back to a sitting position and monitor vital signs. 3. notify the healthcare provider immediately. 4. document the client’s response in the medical record.

Explanation:

The client is at risk of falling due to light - headedness and dizziness post - abdominal surgery. The first priority is to ensure the client's safety by assisting them back to a sitting position to prevent a fall and then monitor vital signs to assess their physiological status. Notifying the provider may be necessary later, documenting is important but not the first step, and encouraging the client to try again without assessing the situation further is unsafe.

Answer:

1. Assist the client back to a sitting position and monitor vital signs.