Moderate

A patient receiving regular morphine after abdominal surgery has not passed stool for three days. Which nursing advice is most appropriate if there is no bowel obstruction?

Correct answer: A. Increase fluids, dietary fibre and physical activity

  • A. Increase fluids, dietary fibre and physical activity
  • B. Restrict fluids and remain in bed after meals
  • C. Take an antidiarrhoeal medicine before each dose
  • D. Stop morphine suddenly until bowel function returns

Explanation

Opioids commonly reduce intestinal motility, causing constipation. Fluids, fibre and mobility help prevent it, although a prescribed laxative may also be needed. Antidiarrhoeal drugs can worsen opioid constipation, and opioids should not be stopped suddenly without review.

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About Analgesics and CNS Drugs

This area covers opioid and non-opioid analgesics, local anaesthetics, sedatives, anxiolytics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antiepileptics and drugs for Parkinsonism. It examines therapeutic actions, dependence, respiratory depression, extrapyramidal effects, serotonin related toxicity and the distinction between pain relief, sedation and loss of consciousness.

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