Question

The nurse is assisting in preparing a plan of care for a client with renal colic receiving meperidine hydrochloride for pain. The nurse includes in the plan of care to monitor for which side effect of this medication?

A. Respiratory depression
B. Hypertension
C. Tinnitus
D. Nausea and vomiting

Answer 1

Meperidine hydrochloride is an analgesic and narcotic that can cause respiratory depression, which is critical to monitor, along with other side effects such as nausea and vomiting.

Step-by-step explanation:

The medication in question, meperidine hydrochloride, is an analgesic and in higher doses can act as a narcotic. Among its side effects, the most critical to monitor for is respiratory depression. This occurs when the medication suppresses the body's urge to breathe, which can be life-threatening. Other common side effects of narcotics like meperidine can include nausea and vomiting, but these are less immediately dangerous than respiratory depression.