A client with generalized anxiety disorder does not want to communicate with friends, smokes 2 to 3 packages of cigarettes a day, and describes difficulty concentrating at work. Which coping strategy should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Choice A reason: Reporting the client's jaw pain to the healthcare provider is essential because jaw pain can be a symptom of osteonecrosis of the jaw, a rare but serious side effect of bisphosphonate therapy.

Choice B reason: Advising the client to gargle with warm salt water may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying issue of potential osteonecrosis.

Choice C reason: Determining how the client is administering the medication is important for proper use but does not address the immediate concern of jaw pain.

Choice D reason: Confirming that this is a common symptom of osteoporosis is incorrect. Jaw pain is not a common symptom of osteoporosis and requires further evaluation.

Choice A reason: Preparing the client for a CT scan is important for diagnostic purposes but is not the immediate priority in managing severe pain.

Choice B reason: Straining the urine for stones is important for confirming the presence of renal calculi but should be done after managing the acute pain.

Choice C reason: Obtaining a urine specimen for analysis is useful for diagnosing infection or other abnormalities but is secondary to pain management.

Choice D reason: Administering a prescribed opioid analgesic is the first priority to relieve the client's severe pain and provide comfort.