A home health nurse is visiting a patient who has been taking the same dose of hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Lortab) for 2 months. To monitor for the presence of expected side effects of this medication, what should the nurse include in the assessment of the patient?
a) Ask about the patient's bowel pattern.
b) Observe respiratory rate and depth.
c) Assess level of consciousness.
d) Take the patient's blood pressure.
Ans: a) Ask about the patient's bowel pattern.
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