a nurse is caring for a client who is receiving opioid analgesics for pain management which of the following assessments is the nurses priority
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI RN Exit Exam

1. A client is receiving opioid analgesics for pain management. Which of the following assessments is the priority?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Monitor the client's respiratory rate. When a client is receiving opioid analgesics, the priority assessment is monitoring respiratory rate. Opioids can cause respiratory depression, so it is crucial to assess the client's breathing to detect any signs of respiratory distress promptly. Checking the client's blood pressure (Choice A) and urinary output (Choice B) are important assessments too, but they are not the priority when compared to ensuring adequate respiratory function. Assessing the client's pain level (Choice D) is essential for overall care but is not the priority assessment when the client is on opioids, as respiratory status takes precedence.

2. A client has a new prescription for levothyroxine. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct statement the nurse should include is to take levothyroxine with a full glass of water before breakfast. This helps improve absorption and prevents gastrointestinal side effects. Choice A is incorrect because levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach. Choice B is incorrect as insomnia is not a common side effect of levothyroxine. Choice C is also incorrect as levothyroxine does not need to be refrigerated.

3. A nurse is planning care for a client who has a history of falls. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Use nonskid footwear while ambulating.' This action is crucial in preventing falls in clients with a history of falls as it provides better traction and stability while walking. Choice A, 'Keep all four side rails up,' is not recommended as it can lead to client restraint and is not a fall prevention strategy. Choice B, 'Ensure the client's bed is in the lowest position,' is important for preventing injuries from falls out of bed but does not directly address fall prevention during ambulation. Choice D, 'Place a bedside commode close to the client's bed,' is a good practice for toileting safety but does not specifically address preventing falls while walking.

4. A client with Parkinson's disease is receiving physical therapy. Which statement by the client indicates the need for a referral to physical therapy?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because freezing of feet while walking is a sign of impaired mobility, indicating the need for physical therapy in clients with Parkinson's disease. Choices A, B, and D are symptoms commonly associated with Parkinson's disease but do not specifically indicate the need for immediate referral to physical therapy.

5. A client has a new prescription for digoxin. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement for the nurse to include when teaching a client about digoxin is to 'Take your pulse before taking this medication.' This is essential because clients taking digoxin need to monitor their pulse to detect signs of bradycardia, a common adverse effect of the medication. Option A is incorrect because digoxin is usually recommended to be taken with food to avoid gastrointestinal upset. Option B is incorrect because antacids can interfere with the absorption of digoxin. Option D is incorrect because contacting the provider for visual changes is important, but monitoring the pulse is crucial for digoxin administration.

Similar Questions

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving radiation therapy. Which of the following side effects should the nurse monitor for?
A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hr postpartum and is breastfeeding her newborn. The client asks the nurse to warm up seaweed soup that her partner brought for her. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for developing pressure ulcers. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?
A client has a new prescription for enoxaparin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a total knee arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Access More Features

ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses