A nurse is educating a patient who has been prescribed aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular events. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)

The correct answer is choice B. Check the client’s allergy history.

This is because morphine sulfate is a medication that can cause severe allergic reactions in some people, such as anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.

Therefore, the nurse should always check the client’s allergy history before administering any medication, especially opioids.

Choice A is wrong because assessing the client’s respiratory rate is not the first action the nurse should take.

Although morphine sulfate can cause respiratory depression, which is a serious side effect that needs to be monitored, the nurse should first ensure that the client is not allergic to the medication.

Choice C is wrong because reviewing the client’s medication record is not the first action the nurse should take.

Although morphine sulfate can interact with other medications, such as sedatives, antidepressants, or alcohol, which can increase the risk of respiratory depression or overdose, the nurse should first ensure that the client is not allergic to the medication.

Choice D is wrong because verifying the dosage with another nurse is not the first action the nurse should take.

Although morphine sulfate is a high-alert medication that requires double-checking to prevent medication errors, the nurse should first ensure that the client is not allergic to the medication.

The correct answer is choice A) Respiratory rate: 10 breaths/min.This indicates that the patient may be experiencing respiratory depression, which is a serious adverse effect of buprenorphine and other opioids.

Respiratory depression can lead to hypoxia, brain damage, or death if not treated promptly.

The normal respiratory rate for adults is 12 to 20 breaths/min.

Choice B) Blood pressure: 110/70 mm Hg is wrong because this is within the normal range for adults, which is 90/60 to 120/80 mm Hg.Buprenorphine can cause hypotension as a side effect, but this is not evident in this case.

Choice C) Heart rate: 72 beats/min is wrong because this is also within the normal range for adults, which is 60 to 100 beats/min.Buprenorphine can cause bradycardia as a side effect, but this is not evident in this case.

Choice D) Temperature: 37°C is wrong because this is the normal body temperature for humans.Buprenorphine can cause hyperthermia as a side effect, but this is not evident in this case.