Question

Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess in a patient receiving an opioid narcotic for pain relief?

Select one:
a. Rapid respirations
b. Diarrhea
c. High blood pressure
d. Constipation

Answer 1

The nurse would expect to assess in a patient receiving an opioid narcotic for pain relief is Constipation

Therefore, correct answer is d. Constipation

Step-by-step explanation:

Patients receiving opioid narcotics for pain relief often experience constipation as a side effect due to the drugs' impact on gastrointestinal motility.

Opioid receptors are abundant in the gastrointestinal tract, and when opioids bind to these receptors, they can slow down the movement of the intestines. This results in prolonged transit time and increased water absorption in the colon, leading to constipation.

While opioids can cause respiratory depression (making option a incorrect) and may initially lead to a decrease in blood pressure (ruling out option c), constipation is a common and expected side effect that healthcare providers monitor and manage in patients on opioid therapy. Diarrhea is not a typical effect of opioids; instead, opioids usually cause the opposite gastrointestinal response, making option b incorrect.

Therefore, correct answer is d. Constipation