Final answer:
Before administering an IM injection of meperidine, a nurse's priority assessment includes confirming the patient's medical history, medication dosage, allergy status, and proper injection site. Confirming patient identity and checking for potential drug interactions are also key steps in ensuring safe medication administration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The priority assessment a nurse should complete before administering an IM injection of meperidine to a client involves a few key steps. These steps are critical to ensure patient safety and the effective administration of medication. Before the nurse administers the meperidine injection, it's important to review the patient's medical history, confirm the correct medication and dosage, assess for any allergies, particularly to the medication being administered, and ensure the right location for the IM injection is chosen based on patient factors like age and muscle mass.
Moreover, a crucial part of the pre-administration assessment is confirming the patient's identity to prevent medication errors. The nurse should also check for potential drug-to-drug interactions and drug-to-health conditions interactions that may be contraindicated. Ensuring that the injection equipment, such as syringes and needles, are in good condition and that there is a protocol in place for safe disposal after use is also a priority.