A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who last used heroin 8 hr ago. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a manifestation of opioid withdrawal?

A. Administer the tablet to the client with applesauce: Administering the tablet with a small amount of soft food like applesauce can help facilitate swallowing without altering the integrity of the enteric coating. This method eases the swallowing process while ensuring the medication is delivered properly.

B. Position the client at a 45-degree angle: Clients who have difficulty swallowing should be positioned in an upright 90-degree sitting position, not at 45 degrees, to reduce the risk of aspiration and promote safer swallowing mechanics.

C. Crush the tablet and mix it in pudding for the client: Enteric-coated tablets should never be crushed, as crushing destroys the protective coating designed to prevent the medication from being released in the stomach, potentially causing irritation or reducing drug effectiveness.

D. Instruct the client to tilt their head back when swallowing: Tilting the head back increases the risk of choking and aspiration, especially in clients with swallowing difficulties. It is safer to encourage tucking the chin slightly down when swallowing to help protect the airway.

• Prepare client for insertion of 18-gauge peripheral IV prior to surgery: A large-bore IV catheter, such as an 18-gauge, is necessary before surgery to ensure rapid administration of fluids, medications, or blood products if needed during the procedure. It is a measure to support hemodynamic stability during anesthesia and surgery.
• Administer Rh, D immune globin prior to surgery: The client's blood type is B negative. Because an ectopic pregnancy involves fetal tissue, and there's a potential for fetal-maternal blood mixing during the surgery, administering Rh(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM) is crucial to prevent Rh sensitization in Rh-negative women who may be carrying an Rh-positive fetus. This is typically given within 72 hours of a potential sensitizing event.
• Obtain a complete blood count: A CBC is critical to assess hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet levels before surgery. This helps the healthcare team anticipate the risk of bleeding and determine if transfusions might be necessary during or after the laparoscopic procedure.
• Explain the surgical procedure to the client: Explaining the surgical procedure is the provider's responsibility, not the nurse's role. The nurse can reinforce teaching and answer basic questions but should not be the primary person explaining the procedure or obtaining informed consent.
• Remind client to be NPO prior to surgery: Maintaining NPO status is essential to reduce the risk of aspiration during anesthesia. The client should avoid eating or drinking for a specified time before surgery, following the facility's preoperative protocol.
• Verify consent form is signed by the client: Verifying that the informed consent form is properly signed is a crucial nursing responsibility before surgery. It ensures legal compliance and confirms that the client has been informed about the procedure, risks, and alternatives.