A nurse is planning care for a client who has returned to the unit following a surgical procedure. The client’s oxygen saturation is 88%. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A reason: Coughing and deep breathing improve lung expansion but are less urgent than addressing hypoxemia (88% saturation). Oxygen administration corrects low oxygen levels immediately, making this a secondary action. Choice B reason: Raising the head of the bed aids breathing by reducing diaphragm pressure, but it does not directly correct hypoxemia. Administering oxygen is the priority to restore saturation, making this less immediate. Choice C reason: Administering oxygen at 2 L/min is the first action, as 88% saturation indicates hypoxemia, risking organ damage. Oxygen delivery corrects low levels, stabilizing the patient, making this the priority intervention. Choice D reason: Administering analgesics addresses pain but does not correct hypoxemia. Pain management is secondary to ensuring adequate oxygenation, as low saturation is life-threatening, making this incorrect as the first action.