A Patient Who Had Extensive Surgery Asks the Nurse for Pain

A patient who had extensive surgery asks the nurse for pain medication for a pain of 9 on a scale of 0 to 10. The nurse completes an assessment of this patient's pain and agrees to give pain medication. When the nurse returns to the patient with the ordered intravenous pain medication, she notices the patient's eyes are closed and he appears to be sleeping. What is the nurse's appropriate action at this time?

A) Lock up the medication in a safe location until the patient awakens.
B) Arouse the patient to confirm he still wants the medication.
C) Give the medication as ordered and agreed to.
D) Consult a colleague about what action to take.