A patient with terminal cancer-related pain and a history of opioid abuse reports breakthrough pain 2 hours before the next dose of sustained-release morphine sulfate (MS Contin) is due. Which action should the nurse take first?

Rationale: A. Distraction may be helpful as an adjunct, but it does not adequately manage breakthrough cancer pain. B. Dose adjustments may be needed for long-term management, but the immediate priority is relieving the patient’s current breakthrough pain. C. Nonpharmacologic measures may provide some comfort but are not sufficient for breakthrough cancer pain. D. Breakthrough pain should be treated promptly with prescribed short-acting opioid analgesics, even in patients with a history of opioid abuse. Effective pain relief is the priority in terminal cancer care.