A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and has a new prescription for hydromorphone. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Withhold the medication if the client does not appear to be in pain: Pain is subjective, and nurses must rely on the client’s self-report rather than appearance. Withholding analgesia based solely on observation may lead to undertreatment of pain. B. Withhold the medication if the client has a fever: Fever is not a contraindication for hydromorphone administration. Pain management should be based on client need and assessment, while fever is monitored and treated separately if necessary. C. Count the current number of unit doses available in the medication dispensing system: Counting controlled substances like hydromorphone ensures accurate inventory and accountability, which is a legal and safety requirement. This step helps prevent diversion and maintains compliance with regulations. D. Document administration of the medication upon removal from the medication dispensing system: Documentation should occur after administration to accurately reflect what the client actually received. Recording upon removal can lead to errors if the medication is not given.