A nurse is assessing a client following administration of an opioid narcotic. Which of the following findings indicates a decrease in the client's pain?

A. The client is diaphoretic: Diaphoresis often indicates pain, stress, or sympathetic nervous system activation. Sweating after opioid administration may suggest inadequate pain relief or other complications, not pain reduction. B. The client has an elevated blood pressure: Elevated blood pressure can result from pain, anxiety, or sympathetic stimulation. A rise in blood pressure after opioid administration may indicate ongoing pain rather than relief. C. The client has an increased respiratory rate: Opioids typically cause respiratory depression. An increased respiratory rate may suggest pain, anxiety, or other physiologic stress rather than effective analgesia. D. The client is asleep: Sleep or a relaxed state following opioid administration generally indicates adequate pain control. Opioids reduce pain perception and promote comfort, allowing the client to rest, which reflects effective analgesia.