Which patient with pain should the nurse assess first?
a. Patient with postoperative pain who received morphine sulfate IV 15 minutes ago
b. Patient with neuropathic pain who has a dose of hydrocodone (Lortab) scheduled now
c. Patient who received hydromorphone (Dilaudid) 1 hour ago and currently has a sedation scale of 2
d. Patient who returned from the postanesthesia care unit 2 hours ago and has a respiratory rate of 10
ANS: D
This patient's respiratory rate indicates possible respiratory depression. The risk for oversedation is greatest in the first 4 hours after transfer from the postanesthesia care unit. Patients should be reassessed 30 minutes after receiving IV opioids for pain. A scheduled oral mediation does not need to be administered exactly at the scheduled time. A sedation scale of 2 indicates adequate pain control from hydromorphone.
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