Question

A client has a prescription for an analgesic. Which nursing action is appropriate when administering this medication?

a. Reassess drug effectiveness every eight hours
b. Follow the prescription exactly for the first 24 hours
c. Seek a new prescription after two doses that do not achieve a tolerable level of relief
d. Ask the primary healthcare provider to prescribe another medication for breakthrough pain

Answer 1

The appropriate action when administering an analgesic medication to a client is to follow the prescription exactly for the first 24 hours.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate action when administering an analgesic medication to a client is to follow the prescription exactly for the first 24 hours. This means administering the medication as instructed by the healthcare provider without deviation. This is important to ensure that the client receives the correct dosage and to evaluate the effectiveness and potential side effects of the medication. Option (c), seeking a new prescription after only two doses, is usually premature; more time and assessment would be needed. Lastly, option (d) involves asking the primary healthcare provider for additional medication for breakthrough pain, which may be appropriate if the current analgesic is insufficient and the patient is experiencing periods of intense pain.

Analgesics include both opioid and non-opioid medications. Opioids are powerful pain relievers but carry risks such as addiction, misuse, and serious side effects. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are available over-the-counter and in higher prescription doses. The pharmacokinetics and tolerability of drugs like gabapentin enacarbil, an extended-release tablet, should be evaluated for each patient's specific circumstances.