Before initiating opioid therapy, what should be assessed in patients?

Assessing a patient's pain level and history of substance use disorder before initiating opioid therapy is essential for several reasons. Understanding the patient's pain level helps determine the appropriate type and dosage of the opioid, ensuring effective management while minimizing the risk of under-treatment or over-treatment. Additionally, knowledge of the patient's history of substance use disorder is crucial because individuals with this background are at a higher risk for developing opioid dependence or misuse. Opioids can be highly addictive, and ensuring a thorough assessment of these factors can guide the healthcare provider in making informed decisions regarding pain management strategies that are both effective and safe for the patient.

The other options, while they may provide some contextual information, do not directly relate to the critical evaluation necessary before prescribing opioids. Family history of chronic illness might inform the overall history but is less pertinent to opioid therapy initiation. Hourly activity levels and previous surgical history are also not fundamental to evaluate in the context of managing pain with opioids.