Final answer:
The nurse should respond that methylnaltrexone prevents opioid-induced constipation in the client receiving morphine for end-stage cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should respond to the family member by saying that methylnaltrexone prevents opioid-induced constipation.
Morphine, which is commonly used to manage pain in patients with end-stage cancer, has a side effect of constipation. Methylnaltrexone is a medication that works by blocking the effects of opioids in the gut, without affecting their pain-relieving effects. It helps to relieve constipation caused by opioids without interfering with the analgesic effect of morphine.
By preventing opioid-induced constipation, methylnaltrexone can help improve the patient's quality of life by reducing discomfort and the need for laxatives or other bowel management strategies.
Learn more about Methylnaltrexone