Question

A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for tramadol. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

1) Take tramadol with food to minimize stomach upset.
2) Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking tramadol.
3) Do not drink alcohol while taking tramadol.
4) Contact your healthcare provider if you experience difficulty breathing or severe drowsiness.
5) Take tramadol as needed for pain relief.
6) Take tramadol with grapefruit juice to enhance its effects.

Answer 1

To ensure safe and effective use of tramadol, the nurse should instruct the client to take it with food, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery, avoid alcohol, contact their healthcare provider for certain symptoms, and take it as recommended for pain relief.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should include the following instructions for a client taking tramadol:

1. Take tramadol with food to minimize stomach upset. Tramadol can cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, which can be reduced by taking it with food.
2. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking tramadol. Tramadol can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired thinking, which can increase the risk of accidents.
3. Do not drink alcohol while taking tramadol. Alcohol can enhance the sedative effects of tramadol and increase the risk of serious side effects.
4. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience difficulty breathing or severe drowsiness. These symptoms may indicate an allergic reaction or overdose, and prompt medical attention is necessary.
5. Take tramadol as needed for pain relief. Tramadol should be taken as prescribed by the healthcare provider and only for the duration recommended.