A nurse is preparing to administer an oral opioid analgesic to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when handling an unused portion of the medication after administration?

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging the client to ambulate is not appropriate when the client has a high fever of 40°C (104°F). Ambulation requires physical exertion and can potentially worsen the client's condition, especially when they are already experiencing discomfort due to the fever.

Choice B rationale:

Giving the client a cold sponge bath might seem like a logical approach to reduce fever; however, it is not the most effective and safest method. Cold water can cause vasoconstriction and shivering, potentially increasing the body's metabolic demands and raising the temperature further. Additionally, sudden temperature changes can be uncomfortable and may not provide sustained fever reduction.

Choice C rationale:

Administering antipyretics as prescribed is the correct choice. Antipyretic medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, work to lower fever by acting on the hypothalamus, the body's temperature-regulating center. By reducing fever, the body's metabolic rate and oxygen consumption are decreased, which can help prevent complications associated with high fever, such as dehydration and discomfort.

Choice D rationale:

Providing a cooling fan can offer some comfort, but it might not be sufficient to effectively lower the client's high fever. Fans primarily work by promoting evaporative cooling, which may not be efficient when the body temperature is significantly elevated. Additionally, relying solely on a cooling fan might delay the necessary intervention of administering antipyretic medication.

Choice A rationale:

Planning to insert an oral airway if seizure activity begins is not a suitable intervention for a client with a history of seizures. During a seizure, it's essential to protect the client from injury by preventing them from aspirating secretions or foreign objects. However, inserting an oral airway during an active seizure can be dangerous and lead to injury.

Choice B rationale:

Administering pain medication after the seizure is not a priority intervention. While some clients may experience muscle soreness or discomfort following a seizure, the primary focus during and immediately after a seizure is ensuring the client's safety and preventing injury. Pain medication can be considered later if necessary.

Choice C rationale:

The correct choice is to pad the side rails of the client's bed with blankets. This intervention aims to prevent injury if the client experiences a seizure and comes into contact with the bed rails. Padding the side rails can reduce the risk of trauma and minimize the potential for harm during a seizure episode.

Choice D rationale:

Placing the client in a supine position during a seizure is not recommended. It's important to position the client on their side (lateral recumbent position) during a seizure to allow any oral secretions or vomit to drain from the mouth, reducing the risk of aspiration. Placing the client supine could obstruct the airway and increase the risk of aspiration.