Your patient is receiving postoperative morphine through a patient-controlled analgesic (PCA) pump and the patients orders specify an initial bolus dose. What is your priority assessment?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A patient who receives opioids by any route must be assessed frequently for changes in respiratory status. Sedation is an expected effect of a narcotic analgesic, though severely decreased LOC is problematic. Fluid overload and paradoxical increase in pain are unlikely, though opioid-induced hyperalgesia $(\mathrm{OIH})$ occurs in rare instances.

Your Patient Is Receiving Postoperative Morphine Through a Patient-Controlled Analgesic