A patient who has just started taking sustained-release morphine sulfate (MS Contin)for chronic arthritic joint pain following a traumatic injury complains of nausea and abdominal fullness.Which action should the nurse take initially?

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Nausea is frequently experienced with the initiation of opioid therapy,and antiemetics usually are prescribed to treat this expected side effect.There is no indication that a different opioid is needed,although if the nausea persists,the health care provider may order a change of opioid.Although tolerance develops and the nausea will subside in about a week,it is not appropriate to allow the patient to continue to be nauseated.A clear liquid diet may decrease the nausea,but the best choice would be to administer the antiemetic medication and allow the patient to eat.

A Patient Who Has Just Started Taking Sustained-Release Morphine Sulfate