Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 80%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
A nurse is prioritizing care for two clients at the start of the shift. The first client, who is 1 day postoperative following a partial bowel resection, requires a dressing change, total parenteral nutrition administration, and reports a pain level of 6 on a scale from 0 to 10. The second client, who has a newly inserted percutaneous gastrostomy tube, requires a tube feeding, dressing change, and daily weight. Which of the following nursing actions should the nurse plan to complete first?Administer pain medication to the first client
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A because before administering any medication, it is crucial to verify the correct dosage based on the client's weight. Weight plays a significant role in determining the appropriate dose to avoid under or overdosing. Weighing the second client ensures accuracy and safety in medication administration. Changing dressings (B) and obtaining vital signs (C) are important but not necessary before administering pain medication. It is crucial to prioritize weight assessment first for medication safety.