On admission, the healthcare provider describes a broad spectrum of antibiotic, ticarcillin for a client with a gram-negative infection. Before administering the first dose, it is most important for the nurse to implement which prescription?

The client's symptoms suggest liver dysfunction, which is a known adverse effect of albendazole. Albendazole is primarily metabolized in the liver, and its use can cause liver damage in some cases. Therefore, it is essential to review liver function test results to assess the severity of liver damage and to determine if the medication should be discontinued or the dosage should be adjusted.

The renal function panel (a) measures the levels of various substances, such as creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, in the blood to assess kidney function.

The thyroid function test (b) evaluates the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood to diagnose thyroid disorders.

The basic metabolic panel (c) includes several tests that assess the levels of electrolytes, glucose, and other substances in the blood to evaluate metabolic function. However, these lab tests are not directly related to the symptoms and adverse effects associated with albendazole use

The correct answer is C. Instruct the client to request assistance when ambulating to the bathroom.

Choice A reason:

Advise the client that the medication should start to work in about 30 minutes.

While it is important to inform the client about the onset of action of the medication, this is not the highest priority. Codeine, an opioid, can cause dizziness and sedation, which increases the risk of falls. Therefore, safety measures take precedence over informing the client about the medication’s onset time.

Choice B reason:

Administer a stool softener/laxative at the same time as the analgesic.

Opioids like codeine can cause constipation, so administering a stool softener or laxative is a good practice. However, this action is not the highest priority when considering the immediate safety of the client. Ensuring the client’s safety from potential falls due to dizziness or sedation is more urgent.

Choice C reason:

Instruct the client to request assistance when ambulating to the bathroom.

This is the correct answer because codeine can cause dizziness, sedation, and orthostatic hypotension, increasing the risk of falls. Ensuring the client requests assistance when moving can prevent potential injuries, making it the highest priority nursing action.

Choice D reason:

Tell the client to notify the nurse if the pain is not relieved.

While it is important for the client to communicate about the effectiveness of pain relief, this is not the highest priority. The immediate concern is the client’s safety due to the sedative effects of codeine. Therefore, preventing falls and injuries takes precedence.