Pharmacology Proctored ATI Practice Exam

What is the priority assessment before administering IM meperidine?

1. Heart rate

2. Respiratory rate

3. Blood pressure

4. Temperature

The correct answer is: Respiratory rate

Before administering IM meperidine, the priority assessment should be the respiratory rate. Meperidine is an opioid analgesic that can cause respiratory depression as a side effect. Monitoring the patient's respiratory rate before giving this medication is crucial to ensure the patient is not at risk of respiratory compromise. Checking the respiratory rate allows the healthcare provider to assess the patient's baseline respiratory status and detect any early signs of respiratory distress that may be exacerbated by the medication. Monitoring other vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature is also important, but the respiratory rate takes precedence due to the potential for respiratory depression with meperidine administration.