A home care nurse administers oral morphine to the patient with cancer pain.
When will the nurse expect the medication to reach peak activity?

Choice A rationale

Assessing pulses and blood pressure is crucial before administering an antiarrhythmic agent because these drugs can affect heart rate and blood pressure, requiring close monitoring to prevent adverse effects.

Choice B rationale

While assessing breath sounds is important in overall patient care, it is not the priority before administering antiarrhythmic agents as these drugs primarily affect the cardiovascular system.

Choice C rationale

Assessing mental status is important in patient care, but it is not the priority before administering an antiarrhythmic agent, as these medications primarily influence cardiovascular parameters.

Choice D rationale

Assessing urine output is vital for monitoring kidney function and fluid balance, but it is not the priority before administering an antiarrhythmic agent, which mainly affects heart rhythm and blood pressure.

Choice A rationale

Glycopyrrolate is an anticholinergic medication that reduces secretions in the mouth, throat, and airways but is not typically used for bronchospasm associated with COPD.

Choice B rationale

Ipratropium is an anticholinergic bronchodilator that is commonly used to treat bronchospasm associated with COPD. It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways to improve breathing.

Choice C rationale

Atropine is an anticholinergic medication used to treat bradycardia and reduce secretions but is not indicated for bronchospasm associated with COPD.

Choice D rationale

Flavoxate is a urinary antispasmodic used to relieve symptoms of bladder spasms but has no role in the treatment of bronchospasm associated with COPD.