What consideration should the nurse-manager prioritize when creating a program to deal with the issue of substance abuse by employees?

A. While nurses can verify that a consent form is signed, they do not typically have the authority to ensure it is completed correctly or to explain the details of the procedure, which is the responsibility of the surgeon. The nurse's role is to ensure the client understands the procedure and has had the opportunity to ask questions, but they do not explain the surgery itself in detail.
B. This is a key responsibility of the nurse. Assessing the client's health status before surgery is critical for identifying any potential risks or issues that may affect the surgical outcome. This includes physical assessments and reviewing the client’s medical history.
C. This action is considered outside the nurse's responsibilities. The explanation of the operative procedure, risks, and benefits is typically the responsibility of the surgeon or the physician performing the surgery. Nurses may provide general information or support but are not the ones who explain the specifics of the surgical procedure.
D. Nurses are responsible for reviewing and interpreting preoperative laboratory results to ensure the client is medically ready for surgery. This review helps identify any abnormalities that may need to be addressed before proceeding with the surgical procedure.

A. While monitoring temperature is important in assessing for infection, it is not the priority assessment before administering morphine. Temperature does not directly relate to the immediate effects or risks associated with opioid administration.
B. Blood pressure monitoring is essential, especially in a postoperative patient. However, opioids primarily impact the respiratory system rather than directly causing significant changes in blood pressure. While hypotension can occur with opioids, it is not the most immediate concern when administering morphine.
C. This is the priority assessment. Opioids, including morphine, can cause respiratory depression, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening side effect. Before administering morphine, it is crucial to assess the respiratory rate to ensure the patient is not at risk for respiratory distress. If the respiratory rate is low (typically less than 12 breaths per minute), the nurse may need to hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider.
D. While it is important to monitor heart rate, especially in postoperative patients, the primary concern with morphine administration is its effect on respiration. The heart rate may not be as critical to assess immediately before administering morphine as the respiratory rate is.