What is the priority assessment for a nurse to complete when preparing to administer an intramuscular injection of meperidine?

When preparing to administer an intramuscular injection of meperidine, the priority assessment focuses on the respiratory rate. Meperidine, an opioid analgesic, can cause respiratory depression as a significant side effect. Monitoring the respiratory rate is crucial because any decrease or irregularity can indicate that the patient is experiencing respiratory distress or potential overdose, which can be life-threatening.

Understanding this, evaluating the patient's respiratory status before administration ensures that appropriate interventions can be initiated if necessary. While other assessments, such as blood pressure, pain level, and heart rate, are important, they do not carry the same immediate risk as respiratory depression related to opioid use. By prioritizing the assessment of respiratory rate, the nurse can ensure the patient’s safety and readiness for the medication.