A client has a serum potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. Which action prescribed by the health care provider should the nurse take first?

Choice A reason: This statement is true. This client may have a high tolerance to opioids and require a higher dose for pain control, as tolerance is a condition where the body becomes less responsive to the effects of a drug over time, and needs more of the drug to achieve the same effect. Tolerance can develop from chronic or repeated use of opioids, and can vary from person to person. The nurse should assess the client's pain level, history of opioid use, and response to the medication, and adjust the dose accordingly.

Choice B reason: This statement is false. Clients with a history of opioid abuse should not be denied an opioid analgesic, as opioids are effective and appropriate medications for acute pain management, especially after surgery. The nurse should not discriminate or stigmatize the client based on their history of opioid abuse, but rather provide compassionate and evidence-based care. The nurse should also use a multimodal approach to pain management, which involves using non-opioid analgesics, adjuvant medications, and non-pharmacological interventions, such as ice, heat, massage, or relaxation techniques.

Choice C reason: This statement is false. This client should not wait until their pain is severe, 10/10 before taking a high dose opioid, as this can result in poor pain control, increased stress, and delayed recovery. The nurse should encourage the client to take the medication as prescribed, and to report their pain level regularly. The nurse should also educate the client about the benefits of preventive analgesia, which involves taking the medication before the pain becomes severe, and maintaining a steady blood level of the drug.

Choice D reason: This statement is false. The client's self-report of pain may not be disregarded if they have a history of opioid abuse, as pain is a subjective and personal experience, and the client is the best judge of their own pain. The nurse should not assume that the client is exaggerating, lying, or drug-seeking, but rather respect and validate the client's pain report. The nurse should also use objective indicators of pain, such as vital signs, facial expressions, body movements, and behavioral changes, to support the client's pain assessment.

Choice A reason: This statement is false. A 12-month-old who is 2-days post-op cleft palate repair whose vital signs are within normal limits is not the priority for pain medication. This infant may have some pain from the surgery, but it is likely to be mild and manageable with non-pharmacological interventions, such as distraction, comfort, or oral care.

Choice B reason: This statement is false. A 6-month-old who is crying and becomes calm when held by a parent is not the priority for pain medication. This infant may have some pain from an unknown cause, but it is likely to be transient and responsive to non-pharmacological interventions, such as soothing, rocking, or cuddling.

Choice C reason: This statement is true. An 8-month-old with legs drawn to chest and a temperature of 39.5 degrees C is the priority for pain medication. This infant may have severe pain from an infection, such as appendicitis, meningitis, or urinary tract infection. This infant may also have signs of inflammation, such as fever, leukocytosis, or elevated C-reactive protein. This infant needs immediate pain relief and antibiotic therapy.

Choice D reason: This statement is false. A 4-month-old that has just returned from the recovery room is not the priority for pain medication. This infant may have some pain from the surgery, but it is likely to be moderate and controlled with pharmacological interventions, such as opioids, NSAIDs, or local anesthetics.