A PACU nurse receives a postoperative patient who received general anesthesia with a hard plastic oral airway in place. The patient has clear lung sounds, even and unlabored respirations of 16, and an oxygen saturation of 98%. The patient is minimally responsive to painful stimuli. What action by the nurse is most appropriate? a) Continue with frequent patient assessments. b) Remove the oral airway. c) Notify the physician of impaired neurological status. d) Obtain vital signs, including pulse oximetry, every 5 minutes.

A PACU nurse receives a postoperative patient who received general anesthesia with a hard plastic oral airway in place. The patient has clear lung sounds, even and unlabored respirations of 16, and an oxygen saturation of 98%. The patient is minimally responsive to painful stimuli. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?

a) Continue with frequent patient assessments.
b) Remove the oral airway.
c) Notify the physician of impaired neurological status.
d) Obtain vital signs, including pulse oximetry, every 5 minutes.

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