A physical therapist employed in an acute care hospital works with a patient three days status post abdominal surgery. While working bedside with the patient on lower extremity exercises in supine, the patient complains of mild dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. What is the MOST immediate physical therapist action?

• A. Take the patient's vital signs
• B. Assist the patient to a sitting position
• C. Contact the supervising physical therapist
• D. Call a code

Answer: (A)

When a patient who recently had abdominal surgery reports dizziness, fatigue, and nausea during therapy, the immediate step is to assess hemodynamic stability by taking vital signs. These symptoms can reflect orthostatic changes, dehydration, or early signs of complications, and vital signs provide objective information about blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygenation. Knowing the patient’s stability helps decide whether it’s safe to continue with activity, modify the treatment, or stop and pursue further evaluation. If the vitals are stable, you can proceed with caution and continue monitoring; if they are unstable, you stop the activity, position the patient for safety, and notify the supervising clinician. Jumping to repositioning or continuing exertion without first confirming stability could worsen the patient’s condition.