A nurse is teaching a client who has glaucoma and is to start taking timolol. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

Choice A Reason

Determine the time the last dose of pain medication was administered. While it is important to know when the last dose of pain medication was given, assessing the client’s current pain level is a priority. This helps in understanding the severity and nature of the pain, which guides further interventions.

Choice B Reason

Reposition the client to assist with reduction of pain. Repositioning can help alleviate pain, but it should be done after assessing the pain. Without understanding the pain’s characteristics, repositioning might not address the underlying issue effectively.

Choice C Reason

Ask the client to describe the pain and rate it on a scale of 0 to 10. This is the correct first action. Pain assessment is crucial in determining the appropriate intervention. By asking the client to describe and rate their pain, the nurse can tailor the pain management plan to the client’s specific needs.

Choice D Reason

Check the client’s medical record for type of PRN pain medication. Reviewing the medical record for PRN pain medication is important, but it should follow the initial pain assessment. Knowing the pain’s intensity and characteristics will help in deciding whether PRN medication is needed.

Choice A Reason:

Decreasing leg strength is a common symptom of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and indicates the progression of muscle weakness. While it is concerning and should be monitored, it is not as immediately critical as respiratory complications.

Choice B Reason:

Decreasing voice volume can indicate involvement of the cranial nerves and potential respiratory muscle weakness, which can lead to respiratory failure. This is an urgent finding that requires immediate attention to prevent respiratory complications.

Choice C Reason:

Decreased deep tendon reflexes are a hallmark of GBS and are expected in the progression of the disease. While they should be documented and monitored, they do not require immediate reporting unless accompanied by other critical symptoms.

Choice D Reason:

Decreased sensation in the arms is another common symptom of GBS due to peripheral nerve involvement. It should be monitored, but it is not as urgent as signs of respiratory compromise.