The laboring patient has rated her pain at 9 on a scale of 1-10, and requests IV pain medication. Which statement is most important for the nurse to make? "Narcotic medications:

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It is important for the nurse to educate the patient that narcotic medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and unsteadiness. This can increase the risk of falls or injury, so the patient should ask for assistance before getting out of bed or walking. It is also important to educate the patient about the risks and benefits of different pain management options, including IV pain medication and epidural anesthesia. Additionally, it is important to monitor the patient and newborn for side effects or adverse reactions to the medication.

The Laboring Patient Has Rated Her Pain at 9 on a Scale