Question

The client with cancer needs morphine for symptom relief. For obstetric clients, morphine can suppress fetal respiration and uterine contractions, so regional or epidural methods are preferred. For head injuries, morphine could make the evaluation of mental status more difficult. In addition, if respirations are depressed, intracranial pressure could increase. Opioids are usually not the first-line choice for chronic pain, and opioids must be used with caution in older adult clients because of changes related to aging, such as renal clearance. In addition, the use of opioids increases the risk for falls and contributes to constipation.

A. True
B. False

Answer 1

Opioids, such as morphine, have specific considerations depending on the medical condition. It is true that opioids can suppress fetal respiration and uterine contractions in obstetric clients, make the evaluation of mental status more difficult in head injury cases, and have potential risks and side effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

Opioids, such as morphine, are used for symptom relief in clients with cancer. However, their use can have specific considerations depending on the medical condition. For obstetric clients, opioids can suppress fetal respiration and uterine contractions, so regional or epidural methods are preferred. In the case of head injuries, morphine can make the evaluation of mental status more difficult and increase intracranial pressure if respirations are depressed. Opioids are not the first-line choice for chronic pain and must be used with caution in older adult clients due to changes related to aging. They also increase the risk of falls and contribute to constipation. Therefore, the statement is true.