When monitoring a client post-surgery with low oxygen saturation, what should the nurse assess next after raising the head of the bed?

In a post-surgical setting, a client with low oxygen saturation requires immediate evaluation of their respiratory status. After raising the head of the bed, assessing respiratory rate and effort is crucial because it directly relates to how well the client is breathing and whether their body is effectively exchanging gases.

By evaluating the respiratory rate, the nurse can determine if the client is experiencing hypoventilation or tachypnea, which can contribute to low oxygen saturation levels. Observing the effort of breathing—looking for signs of distress, accessory muscle use, or abnormal breath sounds—provides additional insight into the client’s respiratory function and overall stability. This assessment is vital in determining the need for interventions such as supplemental oxygen or more invasive measures if the situation does not improve.

The other options focus on different aspects of patient care that, while important, do not directly address the immediate concern of low oxygen saturation. Urine output, intake and output, and peripheral circulation may be assessed later but are not as critical in the context of immediate respiratory distress. Prioritizing airway and respiratory function is essential in managing patients effectively in the post-operative phase.