The nurse provides sliding scale insulin administration instructions to an adult who was recently diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The client demonstrates an understanding of the instructions provided by performing the procedure in which order? (Arrange with the first on top and the last on the bottom.)

A. Recommend substituting opioids with other pain medication: Simply switching to another pain medication without addressing underlying misuse behaviors may reinforce dependency. This overlooks the denial and psychological aspects of addiction.

B. Explore other coping strategies aside from using medications: This client-centered approach gently addresses the issue without direct confrontation. It encourages self-reflection, promotes healthy alternatives, and meets the client where they are in terms of readiness for change, which is essential in early recovery.

C. Provide a list of local Narcotics Anonymous meetings: Although this is useful, offering it during the first interaction with a client in denial may lead to resistance. Engagement and trust-building through conversation about alternatives are more effective initially.

D. Explain that opioid abuse poses a great risk to life: Providing factual information about risk can be helpful, but directly labeling it as abuse when the client is in denial may trigger defensiveness. It is more therapeutic to explore behaviors and build insight before confrontation.

Rationale:

• Palpate and compare radial pulses: It is important to check radial pulses to assess circulation to the injured limb. Decreased pulse strength, especially in the left arm, could indicate vascular injury, which requires immediate attention.
• Administer ondansetron 4 mg IV: The client is feeling nauseated and worries about vomiting, likely due to postoperative effects, pain medication, or anesthesia. Ondansetron is an antiemetic, which is appropriate to administer to manage nausea and prevent vomiting.
• Check capillary refill on bilateral upper extremities: Checking capillary refill is essential to assess perfusion to both arms. The client’s left arm is experiencing coolness, and diminished pulses were noted earlier, so this is necessary to monitor blood flow and prevent complications like compartment syndrome.
• Inspect the bandage for drainage: After surgery, it is important to inspect the surgical site for any drainage, bleeding, or signs of infection. This helps ensure that there are no complications or issues with wound healing.

• Perform range of motion: Performing range of motion exercises is contraindicated immediately after trauma, especially with a fracture or suspected injury to the shoulder. The shoulder should be immobilized to prevent further damage and to facilitate proper healing. Early movement may worsen the injury or cause additional pain.
• Provide morphine 2 mg IV push (IVP): While he had a nerve block, its effectiveness will wane, and he will likely experience significant pain from the fracture and surgical manipulation. Administering prescribed analgesia like morphine is a priority for pain management.