What is a common side effect of opioids that nurses need to monitor for?

Opioids are frequently prescribed pain management medications, and one of the most common side effects associated with their use is constipation. This occurs because opioids bind to specific receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to decreased motility and prolonged transit time of stool. As a result, patients may experience discomfort, infrequent bowel movements, and abdominal distension.

Monitoring for constipation is essential for nurses because it can lead to significant discomfort and may require interventions such as dietary changes, hydration, or the use of laxatives to alleviate the condition. Managing this side effect is crucial to ensure patients can continue their pain management regime without further complications or discomfort.

While nausea, insomnia, and fatigue are potential side effects of opioids, they are not as prevalent or as concerning as constipation in the context of long-term use. Therefore, addressing and preventing constipation is a priority in the care of patients receiving opioid therapy.