Prior to administering morphine for cancer-related pain, which action is most appropriate?

Prior to administering morphine for cancer-related pain, which action is most appropriate?

• A. Assess the requirement for an antiemetic to be administered at the same time as the morphine to prevent nausea or vomiting, or both.
• B. Administer the lowest dose of the range of morphine that has been prescribed by the physician.
• C. Assess the client for any previous history of narcotic abuse prior to administering the medication.
• D. Withhold administering the morphine if the patient’s respiratory rate is less than 15 respirations per minute.

Answer: (A)

When starting morphine for cancer-related pain, anticipate and prevent common opioid side effects. Nausea and vomiting are frequent with morphine, and giving an antiemetic at the same time helps prevent these symptoms, improving comfort and adherence to the pain plan. Assessing whether an antiemetic should be given with the morphine is the most appropriate pre-administration step because it directly reduces a likely adverse effect. While dose selection, patient history, and monitoring vital signs are important, they don’t address the immediate, likely side effect that can hinder effective pain management.

When starting morphine for cancer-related pain, anticipate and prevent common opioid side effects. Nausea and vomiting are frequent with morphine, and giving an antiemetic at the same time helps prevent these symptoms, improving comfort and adherence to the pain plan. Assessing whether an antiemetic should be given with the morphine is the most appropriate pre-administration step because it directly reduces a likely adverse effect. While dose selection, patient history, and monitoring vital signs are important, they don’t address the immediate, likely side effect that can hinder effective pain management.