Pain Management Nursing Practice Exam

Which early sign may indicate a potential adverse reaction to opioid medication?

1. Client reports shortness of breath.

2. Client is more difficult to arouse.

3. Client is more anxious and nervous.

4. Client reports pain is worsening.

The correct answer is: Client is more difficult to arouse.

When assessing a patient who has been administered opioid medication, one early sign that may indicate a potential adverse reaction is difficulty in arousal. Opioids, while effective for pain relief, can depress the central nervous system, leading to sedation and respiratory depression. An increase in sedation, such as a patient becoming more difficult to arouse, is a significant concern. It suggests that the patient's level of consciousness is impaired, which may require immediate intervention to ensure their safety and to prevent further complications, such as respiratory failure. Detecting changes in a patient's alertness level allows healthcare providers to respond swiftly, adjusting opioid dosages or implementing additional monitoring as needed. Recognition of this symptom is crucial because it can prevent worsening outcomes and enable timely therapeutic measures to be taken. Thus, the symptom of increased sedation is a primary indicator of potential opioid toxicity that warrants further evaluation and intervention.