Question

The nurse is caring for a patient who is on opioid therapy. For which findings is the nurse carefully observing the patient? Select all that apply.

Option 1: Decreased pulse rate
Option 2: Increased respiratory rate
Option 3: Decreased blood pressure
Option 4: Pupil dilatation
Option 5: Peripheral edema

Answer 1

The nurse is carefully observing the patient on opioid therapy for decreased pulse rate, decreased blood pressure, and pupil dilatation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is carefully observing the patient on opioid therapy for the following findings:

• Decreased pulse rate: Opioids can cause bradycardia, or a slowing of the heart rate.
• Decreased blood pressure: Opioids can lead to hypotension, or low blood pressure.
• Pupil dilatation: Opioids can cause pupillary dilation, where the pupils become larger than usual.

The nurse will closely monitor these symptoms as they are potential side effects of opioid therapy.