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 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.

A. Prepare to assist with chest tube insertion. B. Initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). C. Determine Glasgow Coma Scale score. D. Administer a second dose of naloxone.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Chest tube insertion is not indicated for respiratory depression caused by opioid overdose. It is a procedure used to treat pneumothorax, hemothorax, or pleural effusion.

Choice B reason: CPR is not the first-line intervention for respiratory depression. It is only indicated when the client has no pulse or signs of life.

Choice C reason: Glasgow Coma Scale score is a tool to assess the level of consciousness of a client. It is not an intervention that can reverse respiratory depression.

Choice D reason: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose. It has a short half-life and may need to be repeated if the client's condition does not improve or worsens.

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client in the surgical recovery area asks the nurse to bring the largest possible dose of pain medication available. Which action should the nurse implement first?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse administers naloxone to a client with opioid-induced respiratory depression. One hour later, nursing assessment reveals that the client has a respiratory rate of 4 breaths/minute, oxygen saturation of 75%, and is unable to be aroused. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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