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:

This choice reflects the correct technique for maintaining balance and using proper body mechanics when assisting with moving a client up in bed. Shifting weight from the back to the front leg while keeping the feet apart provides a stable base and reduces the risk of injury to the nurse.

Choice B rationale:

Positioning the client's arms at their sides before moving them up in bed is not a necessary step and may not contribute significantly to the process. The primary focus should be on proper body mechanics and the use of assistive devices, such as a draw sheet, to ensure safe patient handling.

Choice C rationale:

Elevating the head of the client's bed 30° is not directly related to the task of moving the client up in bed using a draw sheet. While head elevation might have other clinical indications, it does not impact the technique of assisting with repositioning.

Choice D rationale:

Bending at the waist when grasping the draw sheet is incorrect body mechanics and can lead to strain on the nurse's back. Proper technique involves using the legs to bend and lift while keeping the back straight, reducing the risk of injury.