Final answer:
A patient who abruptly stops taking morphine after 3 weeks will likely experience withdrawal, which is a consequence of physical dependence.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient who has been taking morphine for 3 weeks and abruptly discontinues its use will likely develop withdrawal symptoms. Morphine is an opioid, and one of the consequences of sustained opioid use is the development of physical dependence. When such a drug is stopped suddenly, the body may react with a variety of discomforting symptoms, such as increased sensitivity to pain, nausea, and agitation.
It is important to note that while withdrawal is a direct consequence of physical dependence, other conditions like addiction and tolerance are also related to chronic drug use. Addiction refers to the compulsive use of a drug despite negative consequences and may accompany dependence. Tolerance occurs when increasing amounts are required to achieve the original effects of the drug. However, the condition of concern when abruptly stopping morphine is withdrawal.