A patient transferred to the ICU after surgery has low BP and dusky color. What should the therapist do first?

The correct course of action in this scenario is to check the hemoglobin (Hb) level. The symptoms presented—low blood pressure and dusky coloration—can indicate potential hypovolemia or bleeding, particularly after surgery. Assessing the hemoglobin level helps determine if the patient is experiencing anemia due to blood loss, which is crucial for guiding further management.

Low hemoglobin levels could signal that the patient is not adequately oxygenating tissues, leading to the dusky appearance. Quick identification of anemia allows for timely intervention, such as blood transfusions or other necessary treatments to restore hemodynamic stability.

The other options, while relevant in different situations, do not address the immediate concerns posed by the symptoms. Administering anticoagulant therapy would not be appropriate if bleeding is suspected. Assessing INR is important for patients on anticoagulants, but it does not directly assess the current hemoglobin status. Instituting volume ventilation could be needed later, but first, understanding the patient's blood status is crucial to determining the cause of low blood pressure and dusky color.