A terminal ill client’s pain is being managed with opioid analgesics.

A terminal ill client’s pain is being managed with opioid analgesics. When he reports experiencing constipation, the nurse’s most therapeutic response is:

1. “It’s a side effect of the pain medication you are taking.”
2. “I’ll discuss adding some additional bulk to your diet with your wife.”
3. “Try drinking more liquids while you are awake to help soften your stool.”
4. “I’ll see about getting a prescription for a laxative in order to avoid the problem.”

ANSWER

ANS: 4
While constipation is a common side effect of opioid analgesics, the most therapeutic nursing re-sponse to the client’s report is to offer an appropriate intervention. While the other options are appropriate, the use of a laxative is likely to produce the most effective, timely solution to the problem especially since a terminally ill client is not likely to be eating and drinking sufficiently.