The nurse is caring for a patient who has diabetes and reports chronic, burning leg pain even when taking oxycodone (OxyContin) twice daily. Which prescribed medication is the best choice for the nurse to administer as an adjuvant to decrease the patient's pain?

D. Benzodiazepines are a class of medications commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms. Mazepam is a benzodiazepine medication often prescribed for anxiety disorders and short-term relief of anxiety symptoms.
A. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever.
B. Morphine is an opioid analgesic used to treat moderate to severe pain.
C. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer that is not classified as a benzodiazepine.

A. The heart rate has increased from 92/min on Day 1 to 108/min on Day 2. This significant increase warrants immediate follow-up as it may indicate pain, anxiety, or an underlying physiological issue such as hemorrhage, infection, or cardiac complications.

D. The temperature has increased from 36.4°C (97.5°F) on Day 1 to 37.2°C (98.9°F) on Day 2. While this increase is within a relatively normal range, it is approaching a fever range (> 38°C or 100.4°F) and warrants further evaluation to determine if there is an underlying infection or inflammation.

B. The oxygen saturation remains relatively stable, from 95% on Day 1 to 96% on Day 2. While it is important to monitor oxygen saturation, the minimal change does not indicate an immediate concern. However, it should still be monitored closely for any further decrease.

C. Edema is not directly mentioned in the provided data. While edema can be indicative of various health issues, there is no evidence in the given information to suggest its presence or severity as a concern requiring immediate follow-up.

E. Urine color is not provided in the given data. While changes in urine color can indicate dehydration or other health issues, it is not mentioned in the assessment findings and therefore not a factor for immediate follow-up based on the information provided.

F Pedal pulses were noted as +2 on Day 1, indicating that they were present and normal. Unless there is a significant change in pedal pulses or signs of vascular compromise, such as decreased or absent pulses, there is no immediate need for follow-up based on the given information.