Question

A nurse is reinforcing teaching about the adverse effects of morphine with a client who has acute pain. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

A) "Constipation is not a common side effect of morphine."
B) "Increase your fluid intake to prevent urinary retention."
C) "Rapid breathing is an expected side effect of morphine."
D) "Notify your healthcare provider if you experience itching."

Answer 1

A nurse should warn a client on morphine to notify their healthcare provider if they experience itching, as morphine can cause several side effects including constipation and urinary retention, and rapid breathing is not an expected side effect.

Step-by-step explanation:

When educating a client on the adverse effects of morphine, the nurse should include: D) "Notify your healthcare provider if you experience itching." Morphine is an opioid used to alleviate severe pain but is associated with several potential side effects. While constipation and urinary retention are common, rapid breathing is not an expected side effect but rather, respiratory depression can occur. Education on increased fluid intake is correct in the context of preventing constipation, another common side effect, rather than urinary retention. Itching is also a possible side effect due to the release of histamines from mast cells. Moreover, tolerance and physical dependence are concerns with long-term use, leading to the need for increased doses for the same effect and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation, respectively.