Question

A nurse is reviewing a clients medical history before administering hydromorphone for postoperative pain. The nurse should only notify the provider of which of the following findings before administering this medication>

A. Benign prostatic hyperplasia
B. History of hypertension
C. Rheumatoid arthritis
D. Allergy to aspirin

Answer 1

The nurse should notify the provider of an allergy to aspirin before administering hydromorphone, as it may indicate a risk for hypersensitivity reactions to opioids, even though this cross-reactivity is rare.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should notify the provider of an allergy to aspirin before administering hydromorphone for postoperative pain. It's essential to assess for allergies to medications because hydromorphone is an opioid, similar to drugs like morphine and oxycodone that are used to relieve moderate to severe pain. An allergy to aspirin, which is a non-opiate, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), could indicate a higher risk for hypersensitivity to other medications, including opioids, although this cross-reactivity is not common. Conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia, a history of hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis are not directly related to opioid administration but may be pertinent to overall patient care and monitoring.