Case study: Postoperative client with suspected PE. A 52-year-old one day after surgery suddenly reports sharp chest pain and shortness of breath while walking to the bathroom. Oxygen saturation falls to 84%. Which finding in this case is the highest priority for the nurse to address first?

Question

Accepted Answer

D. sudden hypoxemia with possible pulmonary embolism — In this case, the highest-priority finding is sudden hypoxemia with possible pulmonary embolism because it most directly threatens safety or signals clinical deterioration.

Answer

A. temperature 99 F

Answer

B. request for pain medicine refill

Answer

C. mild incisional pain