A patient has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)…

A patient has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) one month ago and currently experiences generalized joint pain and swelling. The patient is taking high-dose NSAIDs and an oral glucocorticoid, and the provider has now prescribed methotrexate (Rheumatrex). The patient asks the nurse, “Why do I need methotrexate if my pain and swelling are already controlled?” Which response by the nurse is most accurate? 

A 56-year-old client reports a pain level of 7/10 in the low…

A 56-year-old client reports a pain level of 7/10 in the lower back following surgery. The provider has prescribed morphine 4 mg IV every 4 hours as needed for pain.  Vital signs are: BP 118/72 mmHg, HR 88 bpm, RR 18 breaths/min, SpO₂ 96%. Which action should the nurse take first before administering the next dose of morphine?