A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about maintaining taste and smell.
Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

he correct answer is:

A. Clarify the dosage of the morphine.

Explanation:

The prescription indicates that the client should receive 1 to 2 mg of morphine subcutaneously every 4 hours as needed for pain. This means that the nurse can administer 1 mg or 2 mg of morphine, but the exact dose should be determined based on the client's pain level and response to the medication. The nurse should clarify with the prescriber to determine the specific dosage range that is appropriate for the client.

The other options are incorrect:

• B. Administer up to 2 mg of morphine in 4 hr: The prescription states that the client can receive up to 2 mg in 4 hours, but the nurse should not administer the maximum dose without first assessing the client's pain level and determining the appropriate dose based on their individual needs.
• C. Clarify the route of the morphine: The prescription clearly states that the morphine should be administered subcutaneously, so there is no need to clarify the route.
• D. Administer 2 mg of morphine every 2 hr: The prescription states that the morphine should be administered every 4 hours, not every 2 hours. Administering the medication more frequently than prescribed could lead to overdose or other adverse effects.

It is important for nurses to carefully review all prescriptions and clarify any uncertainties with the prescriber to ensure that medications are administered correctly and safely.

The correct answer is choice c. Encourage the client to take deep breaths.

Choice A rationale:

Decreasing the head of the client’s bed can worsen oxygenation by compressing the lungs and reducing lung expansion, which is not advisable for a client with low oxygen saturation.

Choice B rationale:

Asking the client to cough every 4 hours can help clear secretions but does not directly address the immediate need to improve oxygen saturation.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging the client to take deep breaths helps increase lung expansion and improve oxygenation, which is crucial for a client with an oxygen saturation of 88%.

Choice D rationale:

Requesting a prescription for an opioid analgesic is not appropriate in this context as opioids can depress respiratory function, potentially worsening the client’s oxygen saturation.