What current medication should prompt the nurse to contact the healthcare provider before administering an opioid analgesic?

The choice of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) is critical when considering the administration of an opioid analgesic. MAOIs are a class of medications that can significantly interact with opioids, particularly those that are strong or have central nervous system effects. This interaction can lead to serious side effects, including hypertensive crises or serotonin syndrome. These risks are particularly pronounced with certain opioids, especially meperidine, which should be avoided in patients on MAOIs.

In contrast, while beta-blockers, antibiotics, and antihistamines may have their own considerations when it comes to medication administration, they do not share the same level of dangerous interaction with opioid analgesics as MAOIs do. For instance, beta-blockers can be used alongside opioids with monitoring; antibiotics typically do not have interactions that would warrant contacting a healthcare provider before opioid use, and antihistamines, while they can cause sedation, do not have severe interactions with opioids as MAOIs do. Therefore, the presence of an MAOI in a patient's medication history necessitates proactive communication with a healthcare provider before proceeding with opioid administration, due to the potential for serious complications.