When managing a client with prescriptions for morphine sulfate and ketorolac, what is the nurse’s best action?

Administering both medications as prescribed is the appropriate action in this scenario. Morphine sulfate is an opioid analgesic used for moderate to severe pain, while ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that provides pain relief by reducing inflammation. When used together, these medications can complement each other, allowing for effective pain management through different mechanisms of action.

The combination of an opioid and an NSAID can enhance analgesic effects while potentially allowing for lower doses of each individual medication, which can help reduce the risk of side effects associated with higher doses of opioids alone. In many clinical settings, this combination is employed strategically to improve pain relief outcomes for patients.

However, it is important to monitor for potential side effects, particularly gastrointestinal issues with ketorolac and respiratory depression with morphine, but the concurrent use is generally accepted. Administering both as prescribed supports the goal of providing optimal pain management while properly monitoring the patient for any adverse reactions.