Question

The practical nurse provides an older client with a prescribed narcotic

pain medication. Why would the practical nurse encourage the client to
drink more fluids while taking this medication?

Answer 1

A practical nurse would encourage increased fluid intake while taking narcotic pain medications to alleviate common side effects such as constipation and to support renal function for proper medication excretion. This is particularly important in older adults who are more susceptible to dehydration and may already have compromised renal function.

Step-by-step explanation:

The practical nurse would encourage an older client to drink more fluids while taking narcotic pain medications for several reasons. Narcotic analgesics, which include drugs like morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl, can cause a variety of side effects including constipation and decreased renal function. Increased fluid intake can help alleviate constipation, which is a common side effect of opioid use due to slowed gastrointestinal motility. Adequate hydration can also support renal function and assist in the proper excretion of the medication, potentially reducing the risk of drug accumulation and toxicity, especially in an older population that may already have compromised renal function.

Opioids can also lead to drowsiness and loss of consciousness in higher doses. Maintaining proper hydration can help mitigate these effects to some extent. Furthermore, older adults are more susceptible to dehydration; hence, encouraging fluid intake is generally beneficial for maintaining overall health.