A patient has been treated for lung cancer for 3 years. Over the past few months, the patient has noticed that the opioid analgesic is not helping as much as it had previously and more medication is needed for the same pain relief. The nurse is aware that this patient is experiencing which of these?

After spinal fusion surgery, it is important to limit the patient's activity and movement to allow for proper healing and to prevent complications. The order to have the patient out of bed three times daily and ad lib (as desired) is not appropriate immediately after surgery.

The other orders listed are appropriate for the postoperative care of a patient who has undergone spinal fusion surgery:

• Assess neurological status every 4 hours: This is important to monitor for any changes in neurological function, which could indicate complications such as nerve damage or spinal cord compression.
• Logroll only to change position: Logrolling is a technique used to move patients with spinal fusion surgery while keeping their spine aligned and minimizing stress on the surgical site. This order is appropriate to ensure proper positioning and prevent injury to the surgical area.
• Monitor vital signs every 4 hours: Monitoring vital signs helps to assess the patient's overall condition and detect any signs of complications such as bleeding or infection.

Morphine is a potent opioid analgesic that can depress the respiratory system. Respiratory depression is a potential adverse effect of morphine, and it is essential for the nurse to monitor the patient's respiratory rate regularly to ensure adequate oxygenation and prevent respiratory complications.

By checking the respiratory rate, the nurse can assess if the patient is breathing adequately and detect any signs of respiratory depression. If the respiratory rate is significantly decreased or the patient shows signs of respiratory distress (e.g., shallow or irregular breathing), immediate intervention is necessary to address the situation promptly.