What should be assessed prior to the administration of opioid analgesics?

Assessing pain level and respiratory rate before administering opioid analgesics is essential for several reasons. The assessment of pain level provides a baseline to determine the effectiveness of the medication. It helps healthcare providers understand the severity and nature of the patient's pain, allowing for appropriate dosing and treatment plans.

Monitoring respiratory rate is critical because opioids can cause sedation and respiratory depression, which are significant risks associated with their use. By establishing a baseline respiratory rate, clinicians can better identify any changes or potential adverse effects after opioid administration. This proactive approach aids in ensuring the patient's safety and optimizing pain management strategies.

Although the other options include important factors in patient care, they do not specifically address the immediate concerns related to opioid administration as effectively as assessing pain level and respiratory rate does.