A patient with a history of celiac disease has recently been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
The nurse is preparing to discharge the patient.
What is the most important instruction for the nurse to include in the discharge teaching plan?

Choice A rationale

While monitoring the respiratory rate is important in a patient receiving opioids like hydromorphone, it does not directly indicate whether the patient is receiving an equianalgesic dose of the medication.

Choice B rationale

Pain scale assessment is the most direct way to evaluate if the patient is receiving an equianalgesic dose of hydromorphone. Equianalgesic refers to a dose of one opioid that would provide the same level of pain relief as a given dose of another opioid. If the patient’s pain is well-controlled, it suggests that the dose of hydromorphone is equianalgesic to the dose of the previous opioid.

Choice C rationale

Monitoring blood pressure is important in a patient receiving opioids as these medications can cause hypotension. However, blood pressure does not directly indicate whether the patient is receiving an equianalgesic dose of hydromorphone.

Choice D rationale

While it’s important to monitor the level of consciousness in a patient receiving opioids as these medications can cause sedation, it does not directly indicate whether the patient is receiving an equianalgesic dose of hydromorphone.

.Administer a stool softener: This could be a good option to consider, as the client has not had a bowel movement since the surgery. However, the nurse should first consult with the healthcare provider before administering any new medications.

B.Ask the client about their normal bowel routine: This is a good action to take. Understanding the client’s normal bowel routine can provide valuable context for the current situation.

C.Hold the client’s next meal: This may not be necessary at this point. The client’s regular diet has been ordered by the provider, and there’s no indication of nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms that would necessitate holding meals.

D.Perform a digital rectal exam: This could be considered if there’s a concern about impaction or other complications. However, this should only be done after consulting with the healthcare provider.

E.Discontinue morphine: This is not advisable based on the information provided. The client is reporting uncontrolled pain, and morphine has been ordered by the provider for pain management. Any changes to pain medication should be discussed with the healthcare provider.