Question

5. A postoperative client is prescribed intravenous promethazine as needed for nausea and vomiting. After being transferred from the bed to a chair with the assistance of three people, the client vomits and requests the medication. What will the nurse do? Select all that apply. a. Administer the medication while the client is sitting in the chair b. Assess vital signs before and after administration c. Hold the medication if the client is hypertensive d. Incorporate safety precautions after medication administration e. Transfer the client back to the bed before administering the medication

Answer 1

The nurse will do the following:

• Transfer the client back to the bed before administering the medication. Since IV promethazine is administered to a postoperative patient and promethazine IV is usually given as a slow IV push, the supine position is the most suitable position and the least risky one for this patient.
• Assess vital signs before and after administration. Since fast heart rate, irregular pulse and/or high or low BP are some of the unwanted effects of promethazine IV and require emergency medical attention when 2 or more of these occur together, vital signs should be assessed before and after giving this injection.

The nurse will not do the other options given. Promethazine IV is not given to a postop patient sitting in a chair as it is given as a slow IV push. This medication can be given to the above client if he is hypertensive without any other complications since it is not a matter of emergency medical attention if it occurs alone. Incorporating safety precautions are done before administering the IV and not after giving the IV.