A patient has been prescribed an opioid analgesic for postoperative pain management. The nurse should prioritize which intervention to address the potential adverse effect of constipation

A. Monitor the patient’s respiratory rate: Monitoring respiratory rate is essential for opioid-induced respiratory depression, a serious but separate adverse effect from constipation. While important, it does not directly prevent or manage opioid-induced constipation. B. Encourage increased fluid intake and fiber intake: Opioids slow gastrointestinal motility, leading to constipation. Promoting adequate hydration and dietary fiber helps soften stool and stimulate bowel movements. This is a primary nursing intervention to prevent or reduce opioid-related constipation. C. Administer an antiemetic: Antiemetics are used to manage nausea and vomiting associated with opioids but do not affect bowel motility or prevent constipation. Addressing nausea alone will not mitigate the risk of opioid-induced constipation. D. Administer a benzodiazepine: Benzodiazepines have sedative and anxiolytic effects but do not influence gastrointestinal motility. They are not indicated for preventing or treating opioid-induced constipation.