Final answer:
The route of administration with the shortest time of onset for a client prescribed meperidine with a high pain level is Intravenous (IV). It provides immediate action by delivering the drug directly into the bloodstream, while other routes like oral, IM, and SC are slower in onset. The correct option is D) Intravenous (IV).
Step-by-step explanation:
If a client reports a pain level of 8 on a scale of 0 to 10 and has a prescription for meperidine, the route of administration that will deliver the medication with the shortest time of onset is Intravenous (IV). IV administration provides the medication directly into the bloodstream, resulting in a rapid increase in plasma levels and an almost immediate onset of action. In comparison, oral, intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC) routes take longer for the drug to reach its peak concentration in the plasma, leading to a slower onset of analgesia.
When considering the use of opioids like meperidine for pain management, it's essential to be aware of the potential for drowsiness, and in higher doses, loss of consciousness as side effects. These medications are typically used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Intravenous administration is often used in healthcare settings where immediate pain control is necessary, while oral administration may be more appropriate for home use when treating systemic infections or for longer-term pain management with medications like oxycodone and hydrocodone.