A nurse is assigning tasks to an assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following tasks should the nurse assign to the AP?

Rationale:

A. Explain the cast application procedure to the child: Preparing the child for a future procedure is helpful but not immediately necessary. At this point, pain control and reduction of swelling take precedence to prevent complications and stabilize the injury.

B. Review cast care instructions with the child's parents: While parent education is important, it is secondary to immediate interventions that address pain, swelling, and preparation for the procedure. Priority actions focus first on the child’s current needs and safety.

C. Elevate the affected forearm with pillows: Elevation helps reduce edema and pain in the fractured extremity and prevents further swelling. This is a critical nursing intervention for acute fracture management before and after casting.

D. Apply ice packs to the fingers and along the right forearm: Ice helps manage pain and inflammation by vasoconstriction, limiting fluid accumulation in tissues. Applying it early post-injury is crucial to controlling swelling in a fractured limb.

E. Place a nonadherent dressing on the right knee abrasion: Caring for minor abrasions is important but is not a priority compared with interventions addressing fracture management, pain, and preparation for cast application.

F. Administer Ibuprofen 200 mg PO: Pain management is a priority in fracture care to maintain comfort and reduce distress. Administering analgesics before cast application helps the child tolerate the procedure and facilitates cooperation.

Rationale:

A. Bradypnea: Respiratory depression is the most serious and potentially life-threatening adverse effect of morphine, especially after IV administration when onset is rapid. Bradypnea indicates a compromised airway and inadequate ventilation, making it the nurse’s priority for immediate assessment and intervention to prevent hypoxia and respiratory arrest.

B. Sedation: Sedation is a common effect of morphine and requires monitoring, but it is less immediately dangerous than respiratory depression. The nurse should assess the depth of sedation and level of consciousness while ensuring airway safety.

C. Constipation: Constipation is a common long-term side effect of opioids, but it is not an immediate threat to life. Preventive measures can be planned, but it does not take priority over acute respiratory compromise.

D. Euphoria: Euphoria may occur with opioid administration and is generally not harmful in the short term. While the nurse should monitor for behavioral changes or signs of misuse, it does not pose an immediate risk compared with respiratory depression.