The nurse is preparing to provide an opioid medication for surgical pain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Before administering an opioid medication, the nurse should assess the patient's respiratory rate because opioid medications can cause respiratory depression. If the respiratory rate is already low, the nurse may need to hold the medication and notify the provider. Observing skin color, taking oral temperature, and asking about the patient's last meal are also important assessments, but do not address the potential risk for respiratory depression with opioid administration.

The Nurse Is Preparing to Provide an Opioid Medication for Surgical