The nurse is administering IV hydromorphone to a client every 3-4 hours as needed for postoperative pain. Which interventions should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.

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Opioid analgesics (eg, hydromorphone, morphine) are effective for controlling moderate to severe pain. Major side effects include sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension, and constipation. The client is at risk for falls from sedation or hypotension and should not get out of bed unassisted (Option E). Slowed bowel motility persists throughout opioid use, and measures to prevent constipation (eg, administration of daily stool softeners) should be implemented (Option B). (Option A) IV hydromorphone should be administered slowly over 2-3 minutes. Rapid IV administration of opioid analgesics can cause severe hypotension and respiratory or cardiac arrest. (Option C) Postoperative clients may experience pain with breathing exercises (eg, turning, coughing, deep breathing, incentive spirometry). Uncontrolled postoperative pain may cause clients to avoid deep breathing and lead to atelectasis and pneumonia. The nurse should administer opioids to achieve adequate pain control as needed to encourage participation in postoperative exercises and prevent complications. (Option D) The nurse should reassess pain and sedation level during the opioid's peak effect, which is 15-30 minutes after administration of IV hydromorphone. Educational objective: Opioid analgesics are effective for managing postoperative pain, which encourages participation in deep breathing exercises. Side effects of opioid analgesics include sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension, and constipation. The nurse should administer IV hydromorphone slowly over 2-3 minutes, monitor sedation level, instruct the client not to get out of bed unassisted, and administer PRN stool softeners.

The Nurse Is Administering IV Hydromorphone to a Client Every