A nurse is preparing to administer an oral opioid analgesic to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when handling an unused portion of the medication after administration?

Choice A rationale:

Large pieces of furniture do not necessarily create a significant risk for falls unless they are poorly placed or obstructing pathways. While they can potentially cause accidents, the likelihood of tripping over them is generally lower compared to other hazards.

Choice B rationale:

A bedside table next to the bed is not a significant fall risk factor. In fact, having a bedside table can be beneficial for the client, as it provides a convenient surface for placing items that the client might need during the night.

Choice C rationale:

Raised toilet seats, although they may pose a challenge for individuals with mobility issues, are typically installed to aid those with difficulty sitting down or standing up. They are not a primary risk factor for falls, especially when compared to other more hazardous factors.

Choice D rationale:

Throw rugs on hardwood floors are a significant fall risk factor, especially for older adults or individuals with mobility problems. The rugs can easily shift or bunch up, causing someone to trip and fall. Hardwood floors can also become slippery, and the combination of a throw rug on such a surface increases the risk of accidents. The rationale behind this choice is grounded in the potential for tripping and slipping hazards that these throw rugs can introduce, especially in individuals who might already have balance or mobility issues.

Choice A rationale:

Unclamping the client's gastrostomy tube before connecting the syringe is the correct action. This allows the feeding to flow freely into the stomach. Clamping the tube while administering the feeding would prevent the formula from entering the stomach properly.

Choice B rationale:

Verifying the client's gastric pH to be at least 7 prior to feeding is not necessary for administering intermittent enteral feedings. Gastric pH varies widely among individuals and is not a standard requirement before every feeding.

Choice C rationale:

Pouring the client's formula into the syringe and adjusting the syringe's height to control the rate of flow is not recommended. Controlling the rate of flow in this manner is imprecise and can lead to inconsistent delivery of the formula, potentially causing discomfort or complications.

Choice D rationale:

Applying sterile gloves before accessing the client's gastrostomy tube is an important step in infection control, but it is not specifically related to administering intermittent enteral feedings. Sterile gloves are essential to prevent contamination and infection during tube maintenance and insertion, not during the feeding process itself.