The doctor has ordered Percocet (oxycodone) for a client following abdominal surgery. The primary objective of nursing care for the client receiving an opiate analgesic is to:
A. Prevent addiction
B. Reduce pain
C. Facilitate mobility
D. Prevent nausea
Correct Answer: B. Reduce pain
Option B: The nurse should be concerned with alleviating the client’s pain. Inadequate control of postoperative pain may result in slow recovery.
Option A: Chronic use of pain medications such as opiates can cause addiction.
Option C: Opiates can help facilitate mobility but it is a secondary effect after relief from postoperative pain.
Option D: Nausea is a common side effect of opioid analgesics.