Following a cholecystectomy, if a patient's blood pressure increases significantly, what should the nurse assess first?

In the context of a postoperative setting following a cholecystectomy, if a patient's blood pressure increases significantly, the most important initial assessment is to evaluate the pain level. Elevated blood pressure can be a physiological response to acute pain. When a patient experiences significant discomfort, the body releases stress hormones, which can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.

By assessing the pain level first, the nurse can determine if the increase in blood pressure is related to inadequate pain control, which is a common issue after surgery. Addressing the pain can not only help manage the patient's comfort but also potentially stabilize the blood pressure.

While fluid status, surgical site, and respiratory rate are all important assessments in the postoperative period, they are generally secondary to evaluating the patient's pain situation. If pain is the cause of the hypertension, managing it could provide relief and prevent further complications associated with elevated blood pressure.