Which nursing action had the highest priority when administering a dose of codeine with acetaminophen to a client?
Advice the client that the medication should start to work in about 30 minutes.
Administer a stool softener/laxative at the same time as the analgesic.
Instruct the client to request assistance when ambulating to the bathroom.
Tell the client to notify the nurse if the pain is not relieved.
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive medication commonly used to prevent graft rejection after organ transplantation. St. John's Wort is known to induce cytochrome P450 enzymes, which can increase the metabolism and decrease the effectiveness of many medications, including cyclosporine. This interaction can lead to decreased plasma concentrations of cyclosporine, which can increase the risk of graft rejection. Therefore, it is important to advise the client to discontinue the use of St. John's Wort and inform their healthcare provider about any herbal or supplement use to prevent potential interactions with prescribed medications. Options a, c, and d are not directly related to the client's current condition and are not as significant as option b.

Correct Answer is ["A","D"]
Explanation
The correct answer is:
a. Report any tendon pain or swelling to the healthcare provider immediately.
d. Limit exposure to sunlight and avoid tanning beds.
Choice A: Report any tendon pain or swelling to the healthcare provider immediately.
Ciprofloxacin, like other fluoroquinolones, can cause tendinitis and tendon rupture. This risk is higher in older adults, those on corticosteroid therapy, and those with kidney, heart, or lung transplants. Reporting any tendon pain or swelling immediately is crucial to prevent severe complications.
Choice B: Use NSAIDS to relieve mid joint aches and pains caused by the medication.
This is not recommended. Using NSAIDs with ciprofloxacin can increase the risk of central nervous system effects, including seizures. Therefore, it is not advised to use NSAIDs to relieve joint aches and pains caused by ciprofloxacin.
Choice C: Crush and mix the tablets with pudding if you have trouble swallowing the tablets.
Ciprofloxacin tablets should not be crushed. Crushing the tablets can affect the drug’s effectiveness and increase the risk of side effects. If swallowing is an issue, the healthcare provider should be consulted for alternative forms of the medication.
Choice D: Limit exposure to sunlight and avoid tanning beds.
Ciprofloxacin can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, leading to severe sunburns. Patients are advised to limit their exposure to sunlight and avoid tanning beds while taking this medication.
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