A patient who has just started taking sustained-release morphine sulfate (MS Contin)for chronic arthritic joint pain after 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. The best choice would be to administer the antiemetic medication so the patient can eat. 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 may not provide needed nutrients for injury healing.

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