RN Exam Practice
Pharmacological and Parenteral TherapiesQuestion 628 of 2368

A geriatric client has an order for oxycodone and acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Before giving a dose, which action is most important?

  1. Check that the previous dose was given with food to protect the stomach
  2. Ask the client to drink a full glass of water before swallowing the tablet
  3. Check the date and time of the client's last bowel movement for constipation
  4. Calculate the total acetaminophen the client received in the previous 24 hours
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Correct answer: Calculate the total acetaminophen the client received in the previous 24 hours

Combination products contain acetaminophen, so the cumulative dose over 24 hours must stay within limits to prevent liver damage.

Source: Nursing Pharmacology, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Analgesics & Musculoskeletal System: Acetaminophen. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026