The nurse administers morphine to a client for chest pain who also has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement before leaving the client alone?

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because contacting the healthcare provider about the frequency of pain medication is a dependent intervention that requires an order from the provider. The nurse should first use independent interventions such as reviewing available prescriptions or providing non-pharmacological measures.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because encouraging the client to allow more time for the medication to work can imply that the nurse does not believe or validate the client's report of pain. It also can delay effective pain relief and increase suffering.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because reviewing the medical record for additional pain medication prescriptions can help identify alternative or adjunctive options for pain management, such as breakthrough doses, rescue doses, or non-opioid analgesics.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because administering an additional dose of morphine sulfate 0.2 mg intravenously can cause overdose, respiratory depression, or addiction. The nurse should follow the prescribed dosage, route, and interval of administration and monitor for adverse effects.

Choice A: Lead the client in guided imagery

This is a correct choice because guided imagery is a non-pharmacological intervention that can help reduce pain and anxiety by creating a relaxing mental image for the client. Guided imagery can also lower the heart rate and blood pressure by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.

Choice B: Give a dose of 2.5 mg of Morphine

This is an incorrect choice because morphine is an opioid analgesic that can cause respiratory depression, hypotension, and bradycardia. The client's heart rate is already elevated, which could indicate inadequate pain relief or anxiety. Giving more morphine could worsen the client's condition and mask the underlying cause of the pain.

Choice C: Assist the client to walk around the room

This is an incorrect choice because walking around the room could increase the client's pain and heart rate by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system. The client has already done ambulation exercises with physical therapy at 1200, so there is no need to repeat them at 1400. The client should be allowed to rest in bed and conserve energy.

Choice D: Assess for sources of pain other than the surgical site

This is a correct choice because the nurse should always assess the client holistically and rule out any other potential causes of pain, such as infection, inflammation, or ischemia. The nurse should also check the surgical site for any signs of bleeding, hematoma, or infection. The nurse should use a comprehensive pain assessment tool that includes the location, intensity, quality, duration, frequency, and aggravating and relieving factors of the pain.

Choice E: Consult with the surgeon about the pain level

This is a correct choice because the nurse should collaborate with the surgeon and other members of the health care team to provide optimal pain management for the client. The nurse should report the client's pain score, vital signs, medication administration, and response to interventions. The surgeon may order additional tests or medications to address the cause of the pain and improve the client's comfort.