Question

A nurse is collecting data on a client who had received a preoperative dose of morphine. Which of the following indicates that the client is experiencing an adverse effect of the medication?

1) Increased heart rate
2) Decreased blood pressure
3) Improved pain control
4) Enhanced respiratory function

Answer 1

Among the options given, 'decreased blood pressure' indicates an adverse effect of morphine, which can lead to decreased blood pressure due to vasodilation and reduced sympathetic tone.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse is collecting data on a client who had received a preoperative dose of morphine. Among the choices given, the one that indicates the client is experiencing an adverse effect of the medication is decreased blood pressure (option 2). Morphine can lead to a series of hemodynamic changes including decreased blood pressure due to its action in the central nervous system causing vasodilation and a decrease in the sympathetic tone. It can also cause other adverse effects like respiratory depression, constipation, and altered mental status due to its analgesic and narcotic properties. Improved pain control (option 3) would be an expected and desired effect of morphine, not an adverse effect. Enhanced respiratory function (option 4) is also not associated with morphine use; in fact, morphine can depress respiration. An increased heart rate (option 1) could be a response to pain or distress but is not a direct adverse effect of morphine.