A client receiving an opioid reports intense itching. What should the nurse do first?
Itching can be a common opioid side effect related to histamine release. Assessing severity helps determine if medication or alternative therapy is needed.
A client prescribed a beta blocker reports feeling unusually tired. What should the nurse do first?
Fatigue may be a sign of bradycardia from beta blockers. Checking the clientu2019s pulse helps determine if the medication is causing a slow heart rate.
A client with hypothyroidism reports feeling unusually cold. Which explanation should the nurse provide?
Feeling cold is a common symptom of hypothyroidism due to slowed metabolism.
A client with a gastrostomy tube reports nausea during the feeding. What should the nurse do first?
Pausing the feeding prevents further discomfort and allows the nurse to assess tolerance, positioning, and residuals.
A diabetic client asks why foot care is important. What is the nurseu2019s best explanation?
Diabetes can decrease sensation in the feet, increasing the risk of unnoticed injuries and infections.
A client with a urinary catheter develops cloudy, foul-smelling urine. What should the nurse do first?
Cloudy, foul-smelling urine may indicate infection. Assessing the urine characteristics and notifying the provider ensures proper treatment.
While assessing a client with dehydration, the nurse notes poor skin turgor. What should the nurse do first?
Poor skin turgor is a classic sign of fluid deficit. Checking vital signs helps determine the severity and identify potential hemodynamic instability.
A client receiving steroids asks why blood glucose monitoring is required. What is the nurseu2019s best response?
Steroids can increase blood glucose levels, even in clients without diabetes, requiring monitoring.
A postoperative client reports increasing incisional pain. What should the nurse do first?
Assessing the surgical site ensures no complications such as infection, bleeding, or dehiscence.