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    HESI RN pharmacology proctored exam

    The nurse is providing discharge instructions for a client with metastatic cancer who is prescribed morphine for bone pain. Which information from the client indicates to the nurse an understanding of the medication?

    Explanation & Rationale

    A. Observe bowel movement pattern and take a stool softener: Morphine commonly causes constipation due to reduced gastrointestinal motility. Recognizing this and taking preventive measures like a stool softener indicates a good understanding of how to manage one of the most frequent and bothersome side effects of opioid therapy.B. Do not drink grapefruit juice after taking morphine: Grapefruit juice significantly interacts with certain medications, particularly those metabolized by CYP3A4 enzymes, but it has minimal clinical effect on morphine metabolism. This instruction is not relevant for morphine use.C. Watch for signs of agitation and record any insomnia: While these symptoms can occasionally occur, they are not typical or expected side effects of morphine. More common effects include sedation, respiratory depression, and constipation.D. Take the benzodiazepine at the same time of taking the morphine: Combining morphine with benzodiazepines increases the risk of severe sedation, respiratory depression, and overdose. Co-administration should be carefully managed and typically avoided unless specifically directed by the healthcare provider.

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