Comprehensive Nursing Pharmacology Q 182

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In addition to analgesia, narcotic effects include:

  

     A. Euphoria, diarrhea, increased respirations

     B. Euphoria, miosis, nausea and vomiting

     C. Respiratory depression, increased blood pressure

     D. Dependence, seizures, muscle spasms

    

    

Correct Answer: B. Euphoria, miosis, nausea, and vomiting

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These are the effects that often occur with the administration of narcotics. Common side effects of opioid administration include sedation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, physical dependence, tolerance, and respiratory depression.

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Option A: Constipation (not diarrhea) noted during the administration of narcotics. The most common side effects of opioid usage are constipation (which has a very high incidence) and nausea. These 2 side effects can be difficult to manage and frequently tolerance to them does not develop; this is especially true for constipation. They may be severe enough to require opioid discontinuation and contribute to under-dosing and inadequate analgesia.

Option C: Decreased respirations (not increased) are noted in narcotics administration. Decreased blood pressure results from narcotic administration. Less common side effects may include delayed gastric emptying, hyperalgesia, immunologic and hormonal dysfunction, muscle rigidity, and myoclonus.

Option D: Narcotics do not cause the effects in choice D at all. Physical dependence and addiction are clinical concerns that may prevent proper prescribing and in turn inadequate pain management.

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