What should the nurse do first when a client reports severe abdominal pain and rigidity on the third postoperative day?

When a client reports severe abdominal pain and rigidity on the third postoperative day, the first action a nurse should take is to obtain the client’s vital signs. This is crucial because changes in vital signs can provide vital information regarding the client’s hemodynamic status and can indicate potential complications, such as infection, internal bleeding, or other postoperative complications that may manifest as abdominal pain and rigidity.

The presence of severe abdominal pain and rigidity might suggest a serious issue, such as an abdominal abscess, bowel obstruction, or peritonitis, which may require immediate medical intervention. By assessing the vital signs, the nurse can establish a baseline and detect any abnormalities—like elevated heart rate or low blood pressure—that may necessitate urgent medical attention.

Other actions, such as administering analgesics or assisting with ambulation, may be appropriate later but are secondary to the need to assess the client's physiological status. Similarly, the incentive spirometer encourages respiratory function but would not directly address the immediate concern posed by severe abdominal symptoms. Therefore, obtaining vital signs is the most critical and immediate step in this scenario.