The healthcare provider decreased the ordered dose of fentanyl to 25 mcg/hr transdermal patch. The pharmacy delivers a 50 mcg/hr patch to the nurse when the next dose is scheduled. What is the best action by the nurse?

A) Problems that cause severe discomfort to the client: While addressing discomfort is important in providing holistic care, it is not the highest priority in nursing. The nurse’s primary focus should be on life-threatening issues or those that could deteriorate the client’s condition rapidly. Severe discomfort can be managed once immediate threats to life are addressed.

B) Problems the client deems most important: Although it’s essential to consider the client’s perspective and involve them in their care plan, problems that are most important to the client may not always be the most urgent or life-threatening. For example, the client may prioritize pain management, but addressing life-threatening issues must always take precedence.

C) Problems that are immediately life-threatening for the client: This is the correct answer. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and the nursing prioritization framework, life-threatening problems should always be the nurse's first priority. These are issues that, if not addressed immediately, can lead to death or severe complications. For instance, airway obstruction, severe bleeding, or shock would require immediate intervention.

D) Problems that are identified as priority by the physician: While the physician’s orders and priorities should be taken into consideration, the nurse must independently assess and prioritize care based on the overall health status of the client. This includes using clinical judgment to identify life-threatening conditions, even if they are not explicitly stated in the physician’s orders. Nurses are trained to identify priority issues through their assessments and are responsible for making decisions that ensure the client’s safety.

A) "I will avoid alcohol and cigarettes.": This is a correct and important statement for a client with GERD. Both alcohol and cigarettes can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the likelihood of acid reflux and exacerbating GERD symptoms. Avoiding these substances is a standard recommendation for managing GERD.

B) "I will have a small snack right before bedtime.": This statement indicates the need for additional education. Eating a meal or snack right before bedtime can exacerbate GERD symptoms because lying down after eating can increase the likelihood of acid reflux. It is generally recommended for clients with GERD to avoid eating at least 2-3 hours before going to bed to reduce the risk of reflux.

C) "I will wear loose fitting clothes.": Wearing loose-fitting clothes is an appropriate measure for managing GERD. Tight clothing around the abdomen can increase pressure on the stomach, promoting acid reflux. Loose clothing helps avoid this additional pressure, which can alleviate symptoms.

D) "I will take all NSAIDs and steroids with food.": This is generally good advice for reducing the risk of stomach irritation caused by NSAIDs and steroids, which can worsen GERD symptoms or cause gastric ulcers. Taking these medications with food can help buffer the stomach lining and reduce irritation.