Question

A client is taking hydromorphone (Dilaudid) PO q4h at home. Following surgery, Dilaudid IV q4h PRN and butorphanol tartrate (Stadol) IV q4h PRN are prescribed for pain. The client received a dose of the Dilaudid IV four hours ago and is again requesting pain medication. What intervention should the nurse implement?

A) Administer the prescribed butorphanol tartrate.
B) Administer another dose of Dilaudid IV.
C) Assess the client's pain level before administering any medication.
D) Withhold pain medication until the next scheduled dose.

Answer 1

The appropriate intervention is to C) assess the client's pain level before administering more hydromorphone (Dilaudid) IV or butorphanol tartrate (Stadol) IV to ensure proper pain management and avoid overmedication.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client is taking hydromorphone (Dilaudid) PO every four hours at home and post-surgery, has prescriptions for Dilaudid IV q4h PRN and butorphanol tartrate (Stadol) IV q4h PRN for pain management. Since the client received a dose of Dilaudid IV four hours ago and is requesting pain medication again, the appropriate nursing intervention would be C) Assess the client's pain level before administering any medication. Pain assessment is crucial to determining the effectiveness of the previous dose and to decide on the next steps for pain management. After the assessment, the nurse can administer another dose of Dilaudid IV, if the pain level warrants it and according to the PRN order, or choose to administer butorphanol tartrate if it's indicated and compatible. Assessing pain ensures the client receives appropriate care without overmedication or unnecessary discomfort.