The nurse is providing patient teaching about prescribed opioid analgesic.
What is an important point related to a possible adverse effect of this drug?

Choice A rationale

Administering a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is not a priority action for a patient who has received a narcotic analgesic. The priority should be to ensure the patient’s safety and prevent falls, which can occur due to the sedative effects of narcotics.

Choice B rationale

Putting side rails up and placing the bed in the lowest position is essential for patient safety. Narcotics can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired coordination, increasing the risk of falls. Ensuring the bed is in the lowest position and side rails are up helps prevent injury if the patient tries to get up.

Choice C rationale

Encouraging fluids is beneficial for many patients, but it is not the priority action when a patient has received a narcotic analgesic. Hydration is important but secondary to ensuring the patient’s immediate safety.

Choice D rationale

Creating a restful, dark environment may help the patient rest, but it does not directly address the immediate safety needs of a patient who has received a narcotic analgesic. The focus should be on preventing falls and injury.

Choice A rationale

Serotonin does not compete with anticholinergic agents at muscarinic acetylcholine receptor sites; anticholinergics target these receptors to inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system.

Choice B rationale

Anticholinergics do not increase norepinephrine at the neuromuscular junction.

Choice C rationale

Nicotinic receptors are primarily affected by different classes of drugs, such as neuromuscular blockers.

Choice D rationale

Anticholinergics inhibit the actions of the parasympathetic nervous system by blocking muscarinic receptors, reducing bodily functions like saliva production, digestion, and urination.