The client receiving an intravenous infusion of morphine sulfate begin

The client receiving an intravenous infusion of morphine sulfate begins to experience respiratory depression and decreased urine output. This effect is described as:

1. Therapeutic
2. Toxic
3. Idiosyncratic
4. Allergic

ANSWER

ANS: 2
Toxic levels of morphine may cause severe respiratory depression. Toxic effects may develop af-ter prolonged intake of a medication or when a medication accumulates in the blood because of impaired metabolism or excretion. The client with a decreased urine output is not excreting the morphine. The therapeutic effect is the expected or predictable physiological response a medica-tion causes. Respiratory depression and decreased urine output are not the desired (i.e., therapeu-tic) effects of morphine.
An idiosyncratic effect is when a medication causes an unpredictable outcome, such as when a client overreacts or underreacts to a medication. This is not an example of an idiosyncratic effect.
When a client experiences an allergic response to a medication, the medication acts as an antigen, triggering the release of the body’s antibodies. The client may experience itching, urticaria, or a rash, or, in more severe cases, may have difficulty breathing. The client’s response to morphine is not an example of an allergic effect.