explain as a nurse why you would be concern if a patient that was prescribed morphine experience side effects such as respiratory depression, nausea or urinary retention?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
As a nurse, I would be concerned if a patient prescribed morphine experiences side effects such as respiratory depression, nausea, or urinary retention because these can indicate serious complications requiring prompt assessment and intervention to ensure patient safety.
Explanation (300 words):
Morphine is a potent opioid analgesic commonly used to manage moderate to severe pain. While effective, it can also produce significant side effects that may compromise patient safety. Among the most concerning is respiratory depression, which occurs when morphine suppresses the brain’s respiratory centers, reducing the rate and depth of breathing. This is particularly dangerous because it can lead to hypoxia (low oxygen levels), respiratory arrest, or death if not recognized and treated promptly. Nurses must frequently monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and level of consciousness when administering morphine, especially during the initial doses or when the dose is increased.
Nausea is another common side effect, resulting from morphine’s effect on the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the brain. While not life-threatening, persistent nausea can lead to vomiting, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and poor oral intake, all of which can delay recovery and increase the risk of complications. Nurses need to assess the severity and provide antiemetic medications as ordered, as well as encourage small, frequent meals and fluid intake.
Urinary retention may occur due to morphine’s action on the central nervous system and its ability to increase sphincter tone, which inhibits the urge to void. This can result in bladder distention, discomfort, and risk of urinary tract infections, especially in older adults or those with preexisting urinary issues. Nurses should monitor intake and output, palpate the bladder for distention, and assess for signs of difficulty voiding.
In all these cases, prompt recognition and appropriate nursing interventions—such as holding the medication, notifying the provider, or administering reversal agents like naloxone—are essential to prevent harm and ensure optimal outcomes. Education about side effects and when to report symptoms is also critical to patient safety.