Opioid Considerations in Older Adults

A nurse is caring for a 75-year-old patient who has been prescribed a strong opioid agent for severe pain management after a hip replacement surgery. During the medication administration, the nurse recalls that older adults may have unique responses to medications due to changes in metabolism and excretion. Which of the following is the most critical consideration the nurse should keep in mind when administering opioid analgesics to the older adult patient?

The patient also has a history of chronic kidney disease. The nurse needs to apply this knowledge to ensure the patient's safety and effective pain management.