A nurse is caring for a client with severe back pain who has been prescribed codeine sulfate. What should the nurse include in the plan of care while the client is on this medication?

The inclusion of monitoring bowel activity in the plan of care for a client prescribed codeine sulfate is important due to the medication's known side effects. Codeine, an opioid analgesic, works on the central nervous system to relieve pain but has a significant effect on gastrointestinal motility. One common adverse effect of opioids is constipation, which can lead to discomfort, bowel obstruction, and other complications if not addressed.

By monitoring bowel activity, the nurse can identify signs of constipation early, allowing for timely interventions such as increased fluid intake, dietary modifications, or the use of laxatives if necessary. Proactive management of bowel health in patients on opioids is essential for promoting comfort and preventing further complications related to decreased bowel activity.

In contrast, restricting fluid intake could exacerbate the risk of constipation and is contrary to safe nursing practice. Monitoring for hypertension and peripheral pulses, while important in certain clinical scenarios, is not specifically indicated for a client on codeine unless other underlying conditions are present, making bowel activity monitoring the most pertinent choice in this instance.