Based on a decrease in oxygen saturation from 94% to 88% while ambulating, what should the nurse do first?

The first priority for a nurse when faced with a decrease in oxygen saturation, particularly from 94% to 88% while ambulating, is to ensure the safety and well-being of the client. Assisting the client back to bed is the most appropriate action because the drop in oxygen saturation may indicate that the client is experiencing difficulty in maintaining adequate oxygen levels, which could lead to further complications, including hypoxia.

Returning the client to a more stable and controlled environment, such as their bed, allows for easier monitoring and potentially administering supplemental oxygen if needed. Once the client is safely in bed, the nurse can then reassess the situation, consider further interventions, and evaluate the need for additional medical orders, such as portable oxygen, if the client's condition does not improve. This sequence of actions prioritizes patient safety and stabilization over continuing ambulation or immediately implementing other interventions.