A Nurse Is Caring for an Older Adult Patient During

A nurse is caring for an older adult patient during the immediate postoperative period after a total hip replacement. The surgeon has ordered meperidine [Demerol] for severe pain. What will the nurse do?

A) Administer the medication as prescribed and initiate a fall risk protocol.
B) Ask for a PRN order for diphenhydramine [Benadryl] for the expected side effect of itching.
C) Request an order for morphine instead of meperidine [Demerol].
D) Suggest to the surgeon that the patient receive diazepam [Valium] to reduce anxiety and the need for narcotics.