Final answer:
The nurse should inform the client about alternative therapies for pain reduction, involving the patient in their own care plan and respecting their concerns about opioid addiction. Education on the risks and benefits of morphine, consideration for non-opioid alternatives, and consult with a pain specialist are appropriate steps.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate action for the nurse to take when a client is concerned about becoming addicted to morphine for pain management is a. instruct the client about alternative therapies for pain reduction. Administering a placebo without the client's knowledge or suggesting another opioid does not address the client's concerns about addiction and is not ethically sound. Telling the client not to worry about addiction undermines their concerns and is not patient-centered care.
Understanding the potential for opioid addiction is important, as the body can become physically dependent on opioids like morphine in less than a week, even when used as prescribed. Opioid withdrawal can resemble a severe case of flu, and although not life-threatening, it is highly unpleasant. The nurse should therefore offer information about non-opioid alternatives, discuss the proper use and risks of morphine, and consider the client's preferences and fears to support their participation in decision-making about pain management.
Providing education and support for the client's concerns allows for informed consent and promotes autonomy. The nurse could also suggest consulting with a pain management specialist or the physician to discuss the benefits, risks, and alternatives to opioid use in pain management, including non-pharmacologic approaches and the potential use of medications that do not lead to physical dependence.