The nurse is teaching an older adult client about morphine sulfate drug therapy. Important safety teaching for this client should include which instruction?

Question

1. Do not take the drug with food or milk.
2. Take the drug only when absolutely necessary.
3. Always have someone stand by while using the toilet.
4. Change positions slowly to avoid dizziness and fainting.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: Morphine sulfate is not affected by food or milk.
Rationale 2: Pain management works best when clients take medication to prevent pain or at the first sign of pain. They should not wait until the pain is very bad before taking the medication.
Rationale 3: Clients just need to be careful when standing; they do not have to have someone nearby when using the toilet. This might be impractical for many clients.
Rationale 4: Morphine sulfate can cause hypotensive effects. Clients should take care when changing positions to avoid dizziness or fainting.
Global Rationale: Morphine sulfate can cause hypotensive effects. Clients should take care when changing positions to avoid dizziness or fainting. Morphine sulfate is not affected by food or milk. Pain management works best when clients take medication to prevent pain or at the first sign of pain. They should not wait until the pain is very bad before taking the medication. Clients just need to be careful when standing; they do not have to have someone nearby when using the toilet. This might be impractical for many clients.