A nurse is assessing a client who has hypermagnesemia. Which of the following medications should the nurse prepare to administer?

A. Obtain the client's HDL level.
Explanation: This choice is not relevant to the situation. HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) level is related to cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health, which is not directly affected by the administration of metformin instead of metoprolol.
B. Check the client's glucose level.
Explanation: Correct Choice. Metformin is an oral antidiabetic medication commonly used to lower blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It works by improving insulin sensitivity and decreasing glucose production in the liver. Accidentally administering metformin instead of metoprolol could lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or other adverse effects related to glucose levels. Checking the client's glucose level is essential to assess and address any potential issues arising from this medication error.
C. Monitor the client's thyroid function levels.
Explanation: This choice is not directly relevant to the situation. Metformin and metoprolol do not significantly affect thyroid function levels. Thyroid function monitoring would not be the immediate concern in this scenario.
D. Collect the client's uric acid level.
Explanation: This choice is not directly relevant to the situation. Metformin and metoprolol do not have a primary impact on uric acid levels. Collecting the uric acid level would not be a priority in this context.

A. Pruritus, which is itching, is a common adverse effect associated with the use of opioids, including morphine. Itching can occur when opioids are administered through various routes, including epidural infusion. The exact mechanism for opioid-induced itching is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to the release of histamines or other chemical mediators.
B. Gastric bleeding is not a common adverse effect of epidurally administered opioids like morphine. Gastric bleeding is more associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and certain other medications.
C & D. Tachypnea (rapid breathing) and cough are not typical adverse effects of epidurally administered opioids. However, opioids can cause respiratory depression (slow and shallow breathing), so monitoring respiratory status is important when using these medications.