Moderate

A patient taking oral morphine for advanced cancer pain reports no bowel movement for four days and abdominal discomfort. Which intervention is most appropriate?

Correct answer: B. Assess the bowel pattern and give the prescribed laxative

  • A. Stop the opioid abruptly without advice
  • B. Assess the bowel pattern and give the prescribed laxative
  • C. Restrict fluids to reduce abdominal discomfort
  • D. Wait until vomiting develops before reporting it

Explanation

Constipation is a common opioid effect and should be prevented or treated with a prescribed bowel regimen, fluids and appropriate activity when possible. Abruptly stopping an opioid can worsen pain and withdrawal, while waiting may allow impaction or obstruction to develop.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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