Name common opioid adverse effects and two nursing considerations after administration.

Name common opioid adverse effects and two nursing considerations after administration.

• A. Hypertension and tachycardia; monitor blood pressure.
• B. Hyperglycemia and weight gain; monitor glucose.
• C. Diarrhea and rash; monitor stool.
• D. Respiratory depression, sedation, constipation, nausea; monitor respiratory rate and mental status, ensure safety, and plan bowel regimen.

Answer: (D)

Opioid drugs commonly cause CNS depression and slowed gastrointestinal motility. The most characteristic adverse effects are respiratory depression, sedation, constipation, and nausea. Because these effects can become serious quickly, the nursing focus after administration is on monitoring breathing and level of consciousness to detect respiratory depression and excessive sedation, ensuring safety to prevent falls or injuries during sedation, and planning a bowel regimen to prevent constipation. Other options describe effects that are not typical or central to opioid use, such as hypertension or tachycardia, hyperglycemia, or diarrhea, which don’t reflect the primary risks or the key nursing actions after giving an opioid.

Opioid drugs commonly cause CNS depression and slowed gastrointestinal motility. The most characteristic adverse effects are respiratory depression, sedation, constipation, and nausea. Because these effects can become serious quickly, the nursing focus after administration is on monitoring breathing and level of consciousness to detect respiratory depression and excessive sedation, ensuring safety to prevent falls or injuries during sedation, and planning a bowel regimen to prevent constipation. Other options describe effects that are not typical or central to opioid use, such as hypertension or tachycardia, hyperglycemia, or diarrhea, which don’t reflect the primary risks or the key nursing actions after giving an opioid.