The nurse is caring for a client who is taking an opioid for postoperative pain. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the clients plan of care to manage possible adverse effects of opioids?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Examples of ways to manage anticipated adverse effects of opioids are to administer stool softeners to prevent constipation and an antiemetic to prevent nausea. The medication should have a scheduling dosage regimen to maintain blood levels rather than only PRN. Changing to a different medication in the same classification may be appropriate rather than changing the drug classification. Another way to manage an adverse effect is to use an administration route that minimizes rather than maximizes drug concentrations at the site of the adverse effect.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Is Taking