When administering morphine sulfate, which adverse reactions should the nurse monitor for?

When administering morphine sulfate, monitoring for constipation is particularly important because it is a well-known and common adverse reaction associated with opioid medications. Morphine, being an opioid, acts on the central nervous system and alters the perception of pain while also affecting gastrointestinal motility. Specifically, opioids inhibit peristalsis and increase the tone of the sphincters, which can lead to decreased bowel movement frequency and subsequently, constipation.

Constipation can sometimes become severe, leading to complications such as fecal impaction or bowel obstructions. It is essential for nurses to assess bowel habits regularly, provide education on dietary modifications, encourage fluid intake, and consider the use of stool softeners or laxatives as necessary when patients are on opioid therapy.

Other options, while they may occur, are less frequently tied to the direct effects of morphine sulfate. Increased appetite is not a typical reaction; in fact, some patients may experience a decrease in appetite. A rash can occur but is not as prevalent as constipation, and while some patients may experience insomnia, it does not have the same high incidence rate as the gastrointestinal effects seen with opioids like morphine. Therefore, vigilance regarding constipation is crucial in managing patients receiving morphine.