Question

a nurse is caring for a client who is taking codeine. which of the following assessments should the nurse identify as the priority? blood pressure; apical heart rate; respiratory rate; level of consciousness

Explanation:

Codeine is an opioid, and a major adverse effect of opioids is respiratory depression. Assessing respiratory rate is crucial to detect and intervene for potential life - threatening respiratory depression. Blood pressure, apical heart rate, and level of consciousness can be affected by codeine, but respiratory depression is a more immediate and life - threatening concern, so respiratory rate assessment is the priority.

Answer:

C. Respiratory rate