Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving morphine to relieve severe pain. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse drug reactions?

1) Nausea and vomiting
2) Constipation
3) Respiratory depression
4) Hypertension

Answer 1

The nurse should monitor for nausea and vomiting, constipation, and respiratory depression as adverse drug reactions in a client receiving morphine. Hypertension is not associated with morphine use.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should monitor the client who is receiving morphine for several potential adverse drug reactions. The common side effects of morphine, which is a potent opioid analgesic, include nausea and vomiting, constipation, and respiratory depression.

Hypertension is not a typical side effect of morphine; in fact, opioids like morphine can cause hypotension, or low blood pressure. It's important to note that the use of opioids can lead to tolerance and physical dependence, with increasing doses needed to achieve the same level of pain relief over time.

Among the listed options, nausea and vomiting, constipation, and respiratory depression are the correct adverse reactions to monitor for. Respiratory depression in particular is a serious side effect that can be life-threatening, and it's one of the primary concerns when administering opioids such as morphine.