How should a nurse respond to a pharmacy technician delivering opioids while assisting a confused client?

The most appropriate response in this scenario involves recognizing the critical responsibility a nurse has in ensuring patient safety, especially when dealing with potent medications like opioids. When a pharmacy technician delivers opioids while a nurse is attending to a confused client, the nurse cannot accept the delivery without taking the necessary precautions to ensure the client's safety and well-being.

Saying "I can't receive them right now. Please wait a few minutes or come back," allows the nurse to focus on the confused client, ensuring that the client's immediate needs are met without compromising care. This response emphasizes the importance of patient-centered care, where the nurse assesses and addresses the condition of the client before attending to other obligations. By requesting the pharmacy technician to wait, the nurse is prioritizing the patient's safety and adhering to protocols that necessitate accountability in medication administration.

In contrast, the other responses suggest a lack of engagement or prioritization of patient care, which could be dangerous in a healthcare setting.