Which nursing action has the highest priority when administering a dose of codeine with acetaminophen to a client?

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

Advise 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.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: Telling the client to notify the nurse if the pain is not relieved is an important nursing action, but it is not the highest priority. The nurse should assess the client's pain level before and after administering the medication, and evaluate its effectiveness. If the pain is not relieved, the nurse should report it to the prescriber and consider other interventions.

Choice B reason: Advising the client that the medication should start to work in about 30 minutes is an informative nursing action, but it is not the highest priority. The nurse should educate the client about the expected onset, peak, and duration of action of the medication, and how to take it safely and effectively. However, this does not address any immediate risks or needs of the client.

Choice C reason: Administering a stool softener/laxative at the same time as the analgesic is a preventive nursing action, but it is not the highest priority. The nurse should anticipate and prevent potential side effects of the medication, such as constipation, which can be caused by codeine. However, this does not address any urgent or emergent issues of the client.

Choice D reason: Instructing the client to request assistance when ambulating to the bathroom is the highest priority nursing action, as it addresses a serious safety concern of the client. The nurse should protect the client from falls and injuries, which can be caused by codeine's sedative and drowsy effects. The nurse should also monitor the client's respiratory rate and level of consciousness, as codeine can cause respiratory depression and altered mental status.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Peripheral edema is not a common side effect of atorvastatin, and it is not related to increased CK levels. CK is an enzyme that is released when muscle tissue is damaged. Peripheral edema is more likely to be caused by heart failure, kidney disease, or venous insufficiency.

Choice B reason: Muscle tenderness is a sign of myopathy, which is a rare but serious adverse effect of atorvastatin. Myopathy is a condition where muscle fibers are damaged and inflamed, leading to muscle weakness and pain. Increased CK levels indicate muscle injury and can be a marker of myopathy. The nurse should monitor the client for muscle symptoms and report them to the prescriber.

Choice C reason: Nausea and vomiting are common gastrointestinal side effects of atorvastatin, but they are not associated with increased CK levels. Nausea and vomiting can be managed by taking the medication with food or reducing the dose.

Choice D reason: Excessive bruising is not a typical side effect of atorvastatin, and it is not linked to increased CK levels. Excessive bruising can be caused by bleeding disorders, anticoagulant therapy, or trauma. The nurse should assess the client for other signs of bleeding, such as hematuria, hematemesis, or melena.

A. Determine when the last dose was administered. B. Encourage the client to use diversional thoughts to manage pain. C. Ask the client to rate the current level of pain using a pain scale. D. Review the history for a past use of recreational drugs.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Determining when the last dose was administered is important to ensure safe and effective pain management, but it is not the first action that the nurse should implement. The nurse should first assess the client's pain level and intensity before deciding on the appropriate dose and frequency of pain medication.

Choice B reason: Encouraging the client to use diversional thoughts to manage pain is a non-pharmacological intervention that can help reduce pain perception and anxiety, but it is not sufficient to address severe or acute pain. The nurse should first assess the client's pain level and intensity before suggesting any complementary or alternative therapies.

Choice C reason: Asking the client to rate the current level of pain using a pain scale is the first action that the nurse should implement, as it can help quantify and communicate the client's pain experience and guide the nurse's decision on pain medication. The nurse should use a valid and reliable pain scale that is appropriate for the client's age, cognitive ability, and language preference.

Choice D reason: Reviewing the history for a past use of recreational drugs is relevant to assess the client's risk of addiction or tolerance to pain medication, but it is not the first action that the nurse should implement. The nurse should first assess the client's pain level and intensity before considering any factors that may influence pain management.

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Which nursing action has the highest priority when administering a dose of codeine with acetaminophen to a client?

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