What should the nurse do when a postoperative patient's blood pressure drops significantly in the PACU?

When a postoperative patient's blood pressure drops significantly in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), assessing the ECG tracing is a critical action because it allows the nurse to evaluate the patient's cardiac rhythm and identify any potential issues that may have contributed to the hypotension. Blood pressure changes can often be accompanied by changes in heart rate or rhythm, and an ECG can reveal arrhythmias, ischemia, or other cardiac complications that need to be addressed.

This approach is essential because the patient is in a vulnerable state after surgery, and any significant drop in blood pressure may indicate a serious problem, such as bleeding, fluid loss, or a reaction to anesthesia. Monitoring the ECG can help determine if there are underlying cardiovascular issues that warrant immediate intervention.

Other actions may also be necessary depending on the clinical situation, but assessing the ECG is a priority to ensure the safety and stability of the patient's cardiovascular status. Once the ECG assessment is complete, appropriate interventions can be taken based on the findings and the overall clinical picture.