RN HESI Exit Exam Capstone Related

Review RN HESI Exit Exam Capstone related questions and content

A client receiving codeine for pain every 4 to 6 hours over 4 days. Which assessment should the nurse perform before administering the next dose?

  • A. Auscultate the bowel sounds.
  • B. Palpate the ankles for edema.
  • C. Observe the skin for bruising.
  • D. Measure the body temperature.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Auscultate the bowel sounds. Codeine is known to cause constipation, so it is essential to assess bowel sounds before administering another dose to monitor for potential constipation or bowel motility issues. Palpating the ankles for edema (Choice B) is not directly related to codeine use or its side effects. Observing the skin for bruising (Choice C) is important but not specifically associated with codeine administration. Measuring body temperature (Choice D) is not a priority assessment related to codeine use; monitoring for constipation is more critical in this case.