What should a nurse do first when a client in the surgical unit shows rapid, shallow respirations and declining consciousness?

When a client in the surgical unit demonstrates rapid, shallow respirations combined with declining consciousness, the priority is to ensure immediate intervention to address potential respiratory distress and prevent further deterioration. Activating the rapid response team is critical in this context because it brings a team of healthcare professionals together quickly to assess and manage the situation.

The client's symptoms indicate possible respiratory failure or other urgent complications that require prompt attention. By calling the rapid response team, the nurse ensures that specialized personnel, including respiratory therapists and critical care nurses, can evaluate the patient’s status and provide advanced care. This approach prioritizes safety and timely intervention over other actions that may not address the immediate risks effectively.

While administering oxygen is important in cases of respiratory distress, it may not be sufficient without comprehensive evaluation and monitoring by a team experienced in critical situations. Checking vital signs again in 5 minutes could delay necessary interventions, which could worsen the patient's condition. Notifying the surgical team is essential, but it may not be the most immediate step compared to ensuring that the patient receives urgent care through the rapid response team. Hence, activating the team is the most appropriate first action.