In the case of a client prescribed acetaminophen but is NPO, what should be the nurse's priority action?

When a client is prescribed acetaminophen but is NPO (nothing by mouth), the priority action for the nurse is to contact the prescriber for an alternative. This is because administering oral medication to a client who is NPO is not appropriate or safe, as it could lead to complications such as aspiration or gastrointestinal distress.

In practice, being NPO often indicates that a client may have restrictions due to surgeries, medical tests, or other health-related issues that require them to avoid oral intake. In such cases, it's essential to ensure that the medication management adheres to the client's current condition and restrictions. By reaching out to the prescriber, the nurse can discuss alternative options for pain management or fever reduction, such as considering different routes of administration (like intravenous) that would be safe and effective for the client's situation.

This approach ensures the nurse upholds patient safety while also adhering to professional guidelines regarding medication administration.