What action should be prioritized if a postoperative patient exhibits symptoms of hypercapnia?

When a postoperative patient exhibits symptoms of hypercapnia, providing supplemental oxygen should be prioritized. Hypercapnia, which is an elevated level of carbon dioxide in the blood, can be a result of inadequate ventilation due to sedation, respiratory issues, or decreased lung function following surgery. Administering supplemental oxygen helps to address potential hypoxemia (low levels of oxygen in the blood), which often accompanies hypercapnia and can reduce the workload on the respiratory system.

While it may be necessary to notify the healthcare provider or consider other interventions, the immediate action of providing supplemental oxygen can help stabilize the patient by improving oxygenation, which is critical in managing symptoms related to hypercapnia. Using an incentive spirometer can also be beneficial to promote lung expansion and prevent atelectasis, but it is not a priority in acute situations where immediate oxygenation is needed to correct the patient’s condition. Sedative administration is generally counterproductive in a patient experiencing hypercapnia, as it may further depress respiratory function.