You are caring for a patient who takes an antiarrhythmic agent.
What would be the priority nursing assessment before administering this drug?

Choice A rationale

Evidence of human fetal risk would categorize the drug as Category D or X, not Category B.

Choice B rationale

This statement aligns more with Category C drugs, where animal studies show adverse effects, but not Category B.

Choice C rationale

This describes Category A drugs, not Category B.

Choice D rationale

Category B drugs have shown no risk in animal studies but lack adequate human studies, fitting this description.

Choice A rationale

A patient 3 days after surgery may still require higher doses of opioids for pain management, but the duration and intensity of postoperative pain typically decrease over time. This patient may not necessarily require a higher-than-expected dose compared to others.

Choice B rationale

Patients with cancer often experience severe and chronic pain due to the disease itself or its treatments. These patients may develop tolerance to opioids over time, necessitating higher-than-expected doses to achieve adequate pain relief.

Choice C rationale

Hypotension is a contraindication for high doses of opioids, as opioids can cause further blood pressure reduction. This patient would require careful dose adjustment to avoid exacerbating hypotension.

Choice D rationale

Patients with a concussion are at risk of altered mental status and respiratory depression from opioids. Therefore, higher doses are generally avoided to prevent worsening of these conditions.