Question

The nurse is caring for a client with burns receiving opioid analgesics and who is sedated. which medications should the nurse anticipate to be prescribed by the primary healthcare provider to overcome this side effect of the opioid analgesics?

Answer 1

The most common side effect of opioid medication is Constipation because they reduce gastrointestinal motility, secretions, and blood flow. To treat constipation with non- pharmacological therapies, the patient should have a high-fiber diet, increased fluid intake, and increased physical activity. Due to the condition of the patient, it's not possible to get rid of the side effects with this type of therapy, so the nurse will have to prescribe stimulant laxatives to maintain regular bowel movements.

Answer: LAXITIVES