The nurse should first assess the client who had bowel surgery as hypotension can be a manifestation of bleeding, hypovolemia, and early septic shock. The nurse should check vital signs and perform a cardiovascular assessment.

(Option 2) Cheyne-Stokes respiration is a repetitive, abnormal, irregular breathing pattern characterized by alternating deep and shallow respirations followed by periods of apnea (10-20 seconds). The pattern is usually associated with certain neurologic conditions (eg, stroke, increased intracranial pressure) and with end of life; it would be expected in this client.

(Option 3) Shortness of breath and tachycardia with activity related to decreased hemoglobin level, red cells, and oxygen-carrying capacity would be expected in a client with moderate to severe anemia.

(Option 4) Kussmaul breathing is characterized by regular but rapid, deep respirations and is associated with conditions that cause metabolic acidosis (eg, renal failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, shock). Kussmaul breathing would be expected in this client as it is a compensatory action by the lungs to excrete excess acid from the body by hyperventilating. thereby blowing off carbon dioxide (acid gas).

Educational objective: Postoperative hypotension can be a manifestation of bleeding, hypovolemia, and sepsis. Changes in vital signs (eg, decreased systolic pressure, tachycardia, tachypnea) and cool, pale skin can indicate decreased cardiac output and altered tissue perfusion.