Which nursing action has the highest priority when administering a dose of codeine with acetaminophen to a client?
Instruct the client to request assistance when ambulating to the bathroom.
Administer a stool softener/laxative at the same time as the analgesic.
Advise the client that the medication should start to work in about 30 minutes.
Tell the client to notify the nurse if the pain is not relieved.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This is the highest priority action for the nurse to take. Codeine is an opioid analgesic that can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. These effects can increase the risk of falls and injuries in the client, especially when ambulating to the bathroom. The nurse should instruct the client to request assistance when getting out of bed or walking, and provide adequate support and supervision.
Choice B reason: This is not the highest priority action for the nurse to take. Administering a stool softener/laxative at the same time as the analgesic is a preventive measure that can help reduce the risk of constipation, which is a common side effect of codeine. However, this action is not as urgent or important as ensuring the client's safety and preventing falls.
Choice C reason: This is not the highest priority action for the nurse to take. Advising the client that the medication should start to work in about 30 minutes is an informative and reassuring measure that can help the client cope with pain and anxiety. However, this action is not as urgent or important as ensuring the client's safety and preventing falls.
Choice D reason: This is not the highest priority action for the nurse to take. Telling the client to notify the nurse if the pain is not relieved is an evaluative and responsive measure that can help the nurse monitor the effectiveness of the analgesic and adjust the dosage or frequency as needed. However, this action is not as urgent or important as ensuring the client's safety and preventing falls.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct manifestation for the nurse to identify as a reason to stop the infusion. A scratchy throat may indicate an allergic reaction to piperacillin-tazobactam, which is a penicillin derivative. The client may also develop other signs of anaphylaxis, such as rash, itching, swelling, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. The nurse should stop the infusion immediately and notify the healthcare provider.
Choice B reason: This is not a correct manifestation for the nurse to identify as a reason to stop the infusion. Pupillary constriction is not a common or serious side effect of piperacillin-tazobactam. It may be caused by other factors, such as light exposure, medication use, or neurological conditions. The nurse should monitor the client's pupils for any changes, but it is not a reason to stop the infusion.
Choice C reason: This is not a correct manifestation for the nurse to identify as a reason to stop the infusion. Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not a common or serious side effect of piperacillin-tazobactam. It may be caused by other factors, such as cardiac disorders, medication use, or vagal stimulation. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs for any changes, but it is not a reason to stop the infusion.
Choice D reason: This is not a correct manifestation for the nurse to identify as a reason to stop the infusion. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not a common or serious side effect of piperacillin-tazobactam. It may be caused by other factors, such as stress, pain, or renal disorders. The nurse should monitor the client's blood pressure for any changes, but it is not a reason to stop the infusion.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Decreasing pain and burning during urination is not the purpose of probenecid, which is a drug that lowers the level of uric acid in the blood. Probenecid is used to treat gout, a condition that causes painful inflammation of the joints due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals. Probenecid does not have any effect on the urinary tract or its symptoms.
Choice B reason: Increasing the strength of the urine stream is not the purpose of probenecid, which is a drug that increases the amount of uric acid in the urine. Probenecid works by blocking the reabsorption of uric acid by the kidneys, thus increasing its excretion. Probenecid does not have any effect on the bladder or its function.
Choice C reason: Preventing the formation of kidney stones is not the purpose of probenecid, which is a drug that can actually increase the risk of kidney stones. Probenecid increases the concentration of uric acid in the urine, which can lead to the formation of uric acid stones. The nurse should instruct the client to drink plenty of fluids and avoid foods high in purines, such as organ meats, seafood, and alcohol, to prevent kidney stones.
Choice D reason: Promoting excretion of uric acid in the urine is the purpose of probenecid, which is a drug that reduces the level of uric acid in the blood. Probenecid helps prevent gout attacks by preventing the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. The nurse should monitor the client's serum uric acid level, renal function, and urine output, and advise the client to take the medication with food to avoid stomach upset.
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