Question

a nurse is assessing a client 1 hr after administering morphine for pain. which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the best indication that the morphine has been effective?

the clients vital signs are within normal limits.
the client has not requested additional medication.
the client is resting comfortably with eyes closed.
the client rates pain as 3 on a scale of 0 to 10.

Explanation:

Analyze the clinical objective

The question asks for the best indication that morphine (an opioid analgesic) has been effective 1 hour after administration. This requires applying principles of Nursing Assessment to identify the most objective and direct measure of pain relief.

Evaluate subjective vs. objective indicators

• Vital signs within normal limits can be influenced by many factors and are not a direct, reliable measure of pain control.
• Not requesting additional medication does not guarantee pain relief; the client might be asleep, reluctant to ask, or experiencing side effects.
• Resting with eyes closed can be a result of opioid-induced sedation rather than effective pain management.
• A client's self-report of pain using a standardized scale (e.g., rating pain as 3 on a scale of 0 to 10) is the gold standard and the most objective, direct indicator of analgesic efficacy.

Answer:

• The client's vital signs are within normal limits.
• The client has not requested additional medication.
• The client is resting comfortably with eyes closed.
• The client rates pain as 3 on a scale of 0 to 10. (Correct answer)