A nurse is assessing a client's response to receiving morphine for postoperative pain management. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?

A. Bradypnea (abnormally slow breathing) is the priority finding because it can indicate respiratory depression, a life-threatening adverse effect of morphine that requires immediate intervention. B. Bradycardia is a possible side effect but is less immediately dangerous than impaired breathing. C. Hypotension can occur with morphine use, but it is typically manageable and not as urgent as respiratory depression. D. Pruritus (itching) is a common, non-life-threatening side effect of morphine and can usually be treated symptomatically.