Surgery is performed on a client. the postoperative arterial blood gas values are ph 7.32, pco 2 53 mm hg, and hco 3 25 meq/l (25 mmol/l). which action should the nurse take?

The answer to this question would be: Ask the client to cough forcefully and take deep breaths.

The arterial blood gas result shown that the patient blood pH is a bit acidic. The pressure of carbon dioxide is a bit elevated that show the problem is in the respiratory organ. The patient that getting surgical is intubated and sedated so there might be fluid build up in the lungs but the cough reflex is decreased. Coughing can help clear the lungs.