The Patient Has Just Returned to the Postsurgical Unit After

The patient has just returned to the postsurgical unit after undergoing surgery to remove a lung tumor.During one of the postoperative vital sign checks,the nurse notes that the patient's systolic blood pressure had dropped by 30 points.In addition to the drop in systolic blood pressure,the patient's skin is pale and "clammy." The nurse should do which of the following?

A) Report the findings to the health care provider immediately.
B) Understand that the patient's arteries are constricting, causing pallor.
C) Wait to see if the blood pressure increases in 30 minutes.
D) Nothing; this is a normal occurrence following a thoracic surgery.

Correct Answer:

Verified

Show Answer