A patient in the ER named MS for pain management prefers morphine over codeine because the latter was ineffective in the past. What should the nurse do?

The most appropriate action in this scenario is to communicate the patient's preference for morphine over codeine to the admitting physician. This step is crucial for several reasons.

First, it's important to advocate for the patient’s needs and preferences, especially when it comes to pain management. Acknowledging the patient's past experiences with codeine being ineffective directly influences the choice of medication for their current treatment.

Additionally, informing the physician allows for a collaborative approach to care. The physician can consider the patient's pain history and personal preference when determining the most suitable pain management strategy. This teamwork is essential in nursing practice, as it ensures that the principles of patient-centered care are upheld.

Documenting the patient's preference, while important, does not actively address the patient's immediate needs for effective pain management. Similarly, administering codeine against the patient's wishes may lead to ineffective treatment and contribute to unnecessary discomfort. Therefore, effective communication with the physician ultimately helps in tailoring a more effective and satisfactory treatment plan for the patient.