What is the first action a nurse should take for a client with an oxygen saturation of 85% after surgery?

In the scenario of a client with an oxygen saturation of 85% after surgery, raising the head of the bed should be the first action taken. This position can facilitate easier breathing and can help improve oxygenation by promoting better lung expansion.

When a patient is post-surgery, they might experience respiratory compromise due to anesthesia, pain, or positioning. Elevating the head of the bed allows for gravity to assist in lung expansion, which can lead to improved oxygen levels. This is a quick and immediate intervention that can be performed by the nurse without waiting for further orders or resources.

The other options involve actions that may take longer to implement or require additional steps before they can be effective. While administering oxygen is critical for a client with low saturation, it is ideal to first optimize the patient's position to help improve respiratory function. Calling the physician or obtaining a blood sample are more supportive actions that may be necessary later but are not immediate interventions that can quickly address the low oxygen saturation.