Which nursing action has the highest priority when administering a dose of codeine with acetaminophen to a client?

Rationale: A. Administer a stool softener/laxative at the same time as the analgesic: Constipation is a common side effect of codeine, and stool softeners are often prescribed. However, this is a preventive measure and not the immediate priority when administering the medication. B. Instruct the client to request assistance when ambulating to the bathroom: Codeine has central nervous system depressant effects that can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and orthostatic hypotension. These increase fall risk, making safety precautions during ambulation the most urgent priority. C. Tell the client to notify the nurse if the pain is not relieved: Monitoring effectiveness is important for pain management, but it is a secondary priority compared with preventing injury related to medication side effects. D. Advise the client that the medication should start to work in about 30 minutes: Providing information about onset of action is helpful for setting expectations, but client safety takes precedence over education in this immediate situation.