A client is receiving IV morphine 2 days after colorectal surgery. Which of the following observations indicate that he may be becoming drug dependent?

The correct answer is D. He is euphoric for about an hour after each injection. (A) Frequent requests for pain medication do not necessarily indicate drug dependence after complex surgeries such as colorectal surgery. (B) Sleeping after receiving IV morphine is not an unexpected effect because the pain is relieved. (C) A person may be in pain even with…

Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

Question

Options

AThe client requests pain medicine every 4 hours.
BHe is asleep 30 minutes after receiving the IV morphine.
CHe asks for pain medication although his blood pressure and pulse rate are normal.
DHe is euphoric for about an hour after each injection.

How the community answered

(41 responses)

A
5% (2)
B
10% (4)
C
24% (10)
D
61% (25)

Explanation

(A) Frequent requests for pain medication do not necessarily indicate drug dependence after complex surgeries such as colorectal surgery. (B) Sleeping after receiving IV morphine is not an unexpected effect because the pain is relieved. (C) A person may be in pain even with normal vital signs. (D) A subtle sign of drug dependency is the tendency for the person to appear more euphoric than relieved of pain.

Topics

#opioid dependence#morphine#euphoria#drug-seeking behavior

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