A postoperative patient has shallow respirations and saturation 88% on room air. What is the highest-priority next step?

• A. Delay intervention and continue monitoring
• B. Call for help, administer oxygen as appropriate, and assess airway/breathing; monitor vitals
• C. Start physical therapy
• D. Increase IV fluids only

Answer: (B)

Prioritizing airway and breathing is essential when a postoperative patient shows shallow respirations and low oxygen saturation. An SpO2 of 88% on room air signals significant hypoxemia, and shallow breaths suggest inadequate ventilation after anesthesia. The highest-priority action is to call for help, provide supplemental oxygen promptly, and assess the airway and breathing while monitoring vital signs. Administering oxygen helps correct hypoxemia, and evaluating the airway for obstruction or respiratory depression guides further steps, including potential advanced airway support if needed. Delaying intervention would allow hypoxia to worsen, and actions focused only on physical therapy or IV fluids do not address the immediate risk to breathing and oxygenation.