After which postoperative assessment should the nurse administer acetaminophen for a fever?

• A. After a headache.
• B. After dizziness.
• C. After an abnormal vital sign.
• D. After patient request.

Answer: (C)

Administering acetaminophen for a fever is indicated specifically after identifying an abnormal vital sign, which typically includes elevated temperature readings. Postoperative patients may experience a variety of symptoms and can be vulnerable to fever due to factors like infection or inflammatory responses.

In this context, monitoring vital signs is crucial as it provides objective data regarding the patient's status. If an abnormal vital sign, such as a fever (generally considered a temperature above 100.4°F or 38°C), is detected, it's appropriate to administer acetaminophen to help reduce the fever and promote comfort.

In contrast, addressing a headache or dizziness may not necessarily warrant the immediate administration of antipyretics unless accompanied by fever. Similarly, while a patient's request for medication is important, it should be guided by clinical assessment and understanding of their specific needs, rather than solely on the patient's subjective experience. Thus, the decision to administer acetaminophen should be based on the objective assessment of vital signs rather than symptoms or patient requests.