A patient received as-needed morphine, lorazepam, and cyclobenzaprine. The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) reports that the patient has a respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min. Which action is priority?

Choice A reason: Calling the provider for naloxone may be necessary if opioid-induced respiratory depression is confirmed, but the nurse must first assess the patient’s responsiveness and respiratory status. Acting without assessment could delay appropriate intervention or lead to unnecessary treatment. Choice B reason: Assessing the patient’s responsiveness and respiratory status is the priority. A respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min is low and concerning, especially after receiving sedatives, opioids, and muscle relaxants. The nurse must determine the patient’s level of consciousness, oxygen saturation, and quality of respirations before deciding on further interventions. This ensures that the response is tailored to the patient’s actual condition. Choice C reason: Double-checking prescriptions is part of safe medication practice, but it is not the immediate priority in this situation. The patient’s current clinical status must be assessed first to prevent deterioration. Choice D reason: Obtaining a bag-valve mask and delivering breaths at 20 breaths/min is a resuscitative measure reserved for patients who are unresponsive or in severe respiratory failure. Since the patient’s condition has not yet been fully assessed, this action would be premature. It may be required later if the patient is found to be unresponsive, but assessment must come first.