The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with chronic pain who has been receiving meperidine 100 mg orally every 3-4 hr as needed for pain for the past 4 days. Which of the following actions is the highest priority in the patient's care?
A) Monitor the patient for irritability or seizure activity.
B) Determine when the patient last moved his bowels.
C) Ask the patient if he is experiencing insomnia.
D) Check the patient's labs to determine triglyceride levels.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Meperidine has the potential to accumulate and cause toxic effects, including seizures. The nurse should monitor for signs of meperidine toxicity, including irritability and seizure activity, which is the highest priority in this patient's care. Checking bowel movements and asking about insomnia are important aspects of pain management but do not take priority over monitoring for potential adverse effects of meperidine. Checking triglyceride levels is not relevant to this patient's care.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Admitted with Chronic