What is the first action a nurse should take for a client in the PACU who reports nausea?

Turning the client on their side is an appropriate first action for someone in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) who reports nausea. This position helps to prevent aspiration in case the client were to vomit, as it allows any potential emesis to flow out of the mouth rather than being inhaled into the lungs. This is especially important in the postoperative setting, where a patient might still be under the effects of anesthesia that can impair their gag reflex and ability to manage secretions.

While administering antiemetic medication is important in managing nausea, it is typically not the immediate priority when a client is reporting the symptom. Encouraging deep breathing exercises might be helpful for overall recovery and comfort but does not directly address the risk of nausea and aspiration. Assessing vital signs is also a crucial part of monitoring a postoperative patient but does not provide an immediate intervention for the nausea itself. Therefore, positioning the client safely on their side is the most appropriate initial response.