A Patient Who Had an Appendectomy for a Ruptured Appendix

A patient who had an appendectomy for a ruptured appendix yesterday has an order for morphine 4 mg q 6 hours prn. Every 5 hours and 55 minutes, the patient puts on the call light and asks for the morphine. A staff member comments that the patient is drug-seeking. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate first?

A) Explain to the patient that weaning off the morphine as soon as possible is essential to reduce the risk of addiction.
B) Administer the morphine every 4 hours instead of every 6 hours.
C) Consult with the RN or physician about ordering a higher or more frequent dose of morphine.
D) Explain to the staff member that labeling the patient as drug seeking is inappropriate.