Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 88%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving meperidine. Which of the following is the nurse's priority assessment before administering the medication?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Respiratory rate. Meperidine is an opioid analgesic that can cause respiratory depression. Therefore, assessing the client's respiratory rate before administering the medication is crucial to prevent potential respiratory compromise. This assessment helps the nurse ensure the client can safely tolerate the medication and intervene promptly if respiratory depression occurs.
Urinary retention (choice A) is a potential side effect of meperidine but is not the priority assessment compared to respiratory rate. Vomiting (choice B) may be a concern in terms of medication absorption but does not directly relate to the risk of respiratory depression. Level of consciousness (choice D) is important but may be influenced by respiratory status, making respiratory rate the priority assessment.
Urinary retention (choice A) is a potential side effect of meperidine but is not the priority assessment compared to respiratory rate. Vomiting (choice B) may be a concern in terms of medication absorption but does not directly relate to the risk of respiratory depression. Level of consciousness (choice D) is important but may be influenced by respiratory status, making respiratory rate the priority assessment.