Final answer:
The nurse should instruct the patient to void every 4 hours to prevent urinary retention. Constipation is a side effect of opioids that does not typically improve with tolerance, and excessive drowsiness should be reported. Understanding the risks of tolerance, dependence, and overdose is essential for safe opioid use.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse providing teaching to an older adult with cancer who has been prescribed an opioid analgesic for pain management should include important information regarding the medication's side effects and how to mitigate them. Among the options provided, the correct information that the nurse should include is C. You should void every 4 hours to decrease the risk of urinary retention. This is because opioids can lead to urinary retention, and ensuring regular voiding can help prevent complications.
Option A is incorrect, as sleeping through the day is not an expected effect and if it occurs, it should be reported to a healthcare provider. Option B is incorrect because constipation is a common side effect of opioids and patients often require a laxative or stool softeners to manage this symptom; tolerance to opioids does not typically reduce constipation. Option D is generally associated with aspirin or NSAIDs, not opioids.
It is important for the patient to be aware of the medication's side effects such as constipation, which can be persistent, and to educate them on strategies to manage it. They should also be informed about the risks of tolerance, physical dependence, and the potential for overdose associated with opioids.