A nurse is caring for a client that is newly diagnosed with hypertension.
The client noted that the provider will prescribe a medication to treat angina and hypertension.
Which of the following medications should the nurse expect the provider to prescribe?

Condition: Post-operative pain.

2 actions:

Administer acetaminophen (Tylenol) for mild pain,

Apply a warm compress to the surgical site.

2 parameters:

Pain level on a 0-10 scale,

Surgical site appearance.

Rationale for correct condition: Post-operative pain is expected after surgery and the client reports mild pain (2 out of 10). Managing pain is crucial for recovery and mobility. Mild pain indicates the need for non-opioid analgesics. Pain management enhances comfort and healing. Addressing pain prevents complications.

Rationale for actions: Administering acetaminophen targets mild pain effectively. It is appropriate for the reported pain level. Warm compresses can soothe soreness and reduce pain without medication. Encourages blood flow and healing. Encouraging ambulation prevents DVT but is not pain-focused. Monitoring for infection is important but not the priority for mild pain. Ondansetron treats nausea, not pain.

Rationale for parameters: Pain level on a 0-10 scale assesses pain management effectiveness. Monitoring pain ensures appropriate interventions. Surgical site appearance checks for complications affecting pain, like infection. Respiratory rate is stable and less relevant. Oxygen saturation is normal, unrelated to pain. Urine output monitors hydration, not pain.

Rationale for incorrect conditions: Post-operative nausea and vomiting is not reported. Surgical site infection would show signs like redness or fever. DVT focuses on circulation, not pain.

Choice A rationale

Ondansetron (Zofran) is an anti-emetic medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting by blocking serotonin receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone and the gastrointestinal tract.

Choice B rationale

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an analgesic and antipyretic medication used to relieve pain and reduce fever, but it is not an anti-emetic.

Choice C rationale

Prochlorperazine (Compazine) is an anti-psychotic and anti-emetic medication used to treat nausea and vomiting, as well as certain mental/mood disorders.

Choice D rationale

Morphine Sulfate is an opioid analgesic used to relieve moderate to severe pain but does not have anti-emetic properties.