A nurse is caring for a patient during the immediate postoperative period following major abdominal surgery. When administering an opioid analgesic for pain, the nurse should explain that the medication may have which of the following effects?

The correct answer is choice B. Raise the head of the bed.

Choice A rationale:

Increasing the patient’s oral fluid intake is important for hydration and thinning secretions, but it is not the immediate priority when oxygen saturation is critically low.

Choice B rationale:

Raising the head of the bed helps improve lung expansion and facilitates easier breathing, which can quickly improve oxygen saturation levels. This is a critical first step in managing low oxygen saturation.

Choice C rationale:

Initiating humidified oxygen therapy is essential for improving oxygenation, but it should follow the immediate action of raising the head of the bed to optimize breathing.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging the patient to cough and deep breathe is beneficial for clearing secretions and improving lung function, but it is not the first action to take when oxygen saturation is critically low.

Choice A reason: Encouraging walking in the corridor soon after surgery is important for preventing complications, but it is not specific enough as an instruction for a teaching plan.

Choice B reason: Ensuring participation in the decision room is vague and does not provide clear guidance for preoperative teaching.

Choice C reason: Stating the most important information is crucial in a teaching plan to ensure that the patient understands key aspects of their care.

Choice D reason: Sharing rational moments with writen and graphic aid can be helpful, but the inclusion of 'including blue' is unclear and not a standard part of preoperative teaching.

Please note that these responses are based on general medical and nursing practices. Specific hospital policies and patient circumstances may vary.