A patient is prescribed morphine sulfate 4.0 mg intravenously for postoperative pain.Which action should the nurse take before administering the medication?

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The nurse should assess the patient's respiratory status and level of alertness before administering the medication because respiratory depression can be a life-threatening effect.It is not necessary to auscultate heart sounds or to check blood pressure while the patient lies down (supine position)and sits up.Psychological dependence occurs rarely even after long-term prescribed use of morphine.Therefore,it is not necessary to routinely monitor a patient who is receiving morphine for acute postoperative pain for psychological drug dependence.

A Patient Is Prescribed Morphine Sulfate 4