Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 79%
Simulated
A nurse is collecting data on a client who has a prescription for morphine. The nurse should recognize which of the following data is a priority to obtain before administering this medication?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Respiratory rate. Before administering morphine, it is crucial to assess the client's respiratory rate because morphine is a central nervous system depressant that can potentially cause respiratory depression. Monitoring the respiratory rate helps in early detection of any respiratory distress or depression, allowing for prompt intervention. Temperature (A), blood pressure (B), and apical heart rate (D) are important assessments but do not take precedence over respiratory rate when administering morphine.