Questions: Question 11 of 20 The 40-year-old client is admitted for repair of a femoral fracture. The client discloses a history of an addiction to painkillers and asks that the nurse assist in adhering to the recovery from this addiction by not administering any opioids. As the nurse reviews postoperative prescriptions for the client, the nurse notes that the health care provider has prescribed codeine 30 mg p.o. q6 hours for pain. How does the nurse best approach this situation? Offer the medication to the client if the client really doesn't want it, the client will tell the nurse. Ask the health care provider to remove this prescription from the client's chart. Leave the prescription in the chart. Inform the next nurse that the client does not wish to receive opioids. SUBMIT ANSWER

The answer is: Ask the health care provider to remove this prescription from the client's chart.

Explanation for each option:

1. Offer the medication to the client if the client really doesn't want it, the client will tell the nurse.

   • This option is incorrect because it disregards the client's explicit request to avoid opioids. Offering the medication could undermine the client's recovery efforts and trust in the healthcare team.

2. Ask the health care provider to remove this prescription from the client's chart.

   • This is the correct option. The nurse should advocate for the client's wishes and communicate with the healthcare provider to find an alternative pain management plan that aligns with the client's recovery goals. This approach respects the client's autonomy and supports their recovery from addiction.

3. Leave the prescription in the chart.

   • This option is incorrect because it does not address the client's request and could lead to the administration of opioids, which the client wants to avoid. It fails to take proactive steps to ensure the client's needs and preferences are met.

4. Inform the next nurse that the client does not wish to receive opioids.

   • While this is important for continuity of care, it is not sufficient on its own. The prescription should still be addressed and removed to prevent any potential administration of opioids, ensuring the client's wishes are respected throughout their care.

In summary, the nurse should take immediate action to communicate with the healthcare provider and have the opioid prescription removed, ensuring the client's recovery from addiction is supported and respected.