A nurse is planning care for a client who is at 31 weeks of gestation and has preeclampsia with severe features. The client has a new prescription for magnesium sulfate via continuous IV infusion. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

A. Conflict manager: A conflict manager helps parties resolve disagreements and mediate disputes. In this scenario, the nurse is not mediating between the client and their partner but is providing guidance directly to the client.

B. Advocate: Acting as a client advocate involves supporting the client’s rights, choices, and best interests, even when others may disagree. By providing information about treatment termination, the nurse empowers the client to make informed decisions independently.

C. Social worker: A social worker provides counseling, resources, and support for psychosocial needs. While the nurse may offer similar guidance, the role described focuses on protecting client rights rather than providing social services.

D. Negotiator: A negotiator facilitates agreement between parties through discussion or compromise. The nurse is not negotiating with the partner but is supporting the client’s autonomy, which aligns with advocacy rather than negotiation.

A. Withhold the medication if the client does not appear to be in pain: Pain is subjective, and nurses must rely on the client’s self-report rather than appearance. Withholding analgesia based solely on observation may lead to undertreatment of pain.

B. Withhold the medication if the client has a fever: Fever is not a contraindication for hydromorphone administration. Pain management should be based on client need and assessment, while fever is monitored and treated separately if necessary.

C. Count the current number of unit doses available in the medication dispensing system: Counting controlled substances like hydromorphone ensures accurate inventory and accountability, which is a legal and safety requirement. This step helps prevent diversion and maintains compliance with regulations.

D. Document administration of the medication upon removal from the medication dispensing system: Documentation should occur after administration to accurately reflect what the client actually received. Recording upon removal can lead to errors if the medication is not given.