What is the priority intervention for a client 2 days postoperative following a lumbar laminectomy who is reporting nausea?

For a client who is two days postoperative following a lumbar laminectomy and is experiencing nausea, the priority intervention is to administer an antiemetic, such as Aprepitant. Postoperative nausea can be common due to factors like anesthesia and pain medications, and it can also significantly impact a patient's recovery and comfort.

By providing an antiemetic, you directly address the nausea, allowing the patient relief from this uncomfortable symptom. Controlling nausea effectively can help in promoting better digestion, encourage fluid intake, and improve the overall emotional well-being of the patient, which is crucial in the postoperative recovery phase.

While deep breathing exercises can help with relaxation and may ease discomfort, they do not directly resolve the nausea. Offering ginger ale and crackers might be beneficial after the nausea has been managed, as it could potentially settle the stomach, but it is not as immediate or effective as administering medication. Assessing bowel sounds is an important nursing assessment postoperatively, especially considering the risk of ileus after abdominal surgeries, but it is not the priority intervention for addressing the acute symptom of nausea.