A patient who is addicted to heroin is admitted to the hospital for treatment of an infection. The patient is prescribed methadone (Dolophine) as part of a detoxification program. What is the rationale for using methadone in this patient?

The correct answer is choice C.The client should take this medicationregularlyas prescribed to maintain a steady level of analgesia and prevent breakthrough pain.

Taking the medication only when the pain is severe can lead to inadequate pain relief and increased side effects.

Choice A is wrong because drinking plenty of fluids and eating high-fiber foods can help prevent constipation, which is a common adverse effect of opioids.

Choice B is wrong because avoiding driving or operating heavy machinery is a safety precaution for clients taking opioids, as they can cause drowsiness and impaired judgment.

Choice D is wrong because reporting any signs of allergic reaction is an important instruction for clients taking any medication, especially opioids, which can cause severe hypersensitivity reactions.

The correct answer is choice B. Check the client’s allergy history.

This is because morphine sulfate is a medication that can cause severe allergic reactions in some people, such as anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.

Therefore, the nurse should always check the client’s allergy history before administering any medication, especially opioids.

Choice A is wrong because assessing the client’s respiratory rate is not the first action the nurse should take.

Although morphine sulfate can cause respiratory depression, which is a serious side effect that needs to be monitored, the nurse should first ensure that the client is not allergic to the medication.

Choice C is wrong because reviewing the client’s medication record is not the first action the nurse should take.

Although morphine sulfate can interact with other medications, such as sedatives, antidepressants, or alcohol, which can increase the risk of respiratory depression or overdose, the nurse should first ensure that the client is not allergic to the medication.

Choice D is wrong because verifying the dosage with another nurse is not the first action the nurse should take.

Although morphine sulfate is a high-alert medication that requires double-checking to prevent medication errors, the nurse should first ensure that the client is not allergic to the medication.