A patient recovering from surgery is showing early signs of hypoxia with occasional confusion and restlessness. What is the best nursing intervention?

A. Increase supplemental oxygen and reassess the patient: Restlessness and confusion are classic early clinical manifestations of cerebral hypoxia. Increasing the fraction of inspired oxygen immediately addresses the physiological deficit at the base of Maslow's hierarchy. Reassessment ensures the intervention is effective in improving oxygen saturation and mental status. B. Apply restraints for patient safety due to restlessness: Restraints are a last resort and are contraindicated if the patient's behavior is caused by a treatable physiological crisis like hypoxia. Restricting movement can increase agitation and further increase oxygen demand. The priority must be treating the underlying cause of the restlessness. C. Notify the family about the change in mental status: Informing the family is a communication task that follows immediate clinical intervention. It does not address the life-threatening lack of oxygen that is causing the confusion. The patient's physical stability must be managed before administrative or family communication occurs. D. Document the findings and observe for further deterioration: Passive observation in the presence of early hypoxia allows the patient's condition to worsen into respiratory arrest. Documentation is a legal requirement but should never delay active nursing intervention for an acute physiological change. Immediate action is required to prevent further decline.