The nurse is caring for a patient who had abdominal surgery yesterday and is receiving morphine through patient controlled analgesia (PCA). What action by the nurse is a priority?

Opioid tolerance occurs when the body becomes less responsive to the effects of opioids over time. This means that higher doses of the medication are needed to achieve the same level of pain relief that was previously achieved with lower doses. Opioid tolerance is a common phenomenon in long-term opioid therapy and can occur in patients who have been using opioids for an extended period.

Opioid abstinence syndrome, also known as opioid withdrawal, refers to the set of symptoms that occur when a person abruptly stops or reduces their use of opioids after developing physical dependence.

Opioid toxicity refers to the harmful effects that occur when an individual takes an excessive dose of opioids, leading to potentially life-threatening complications. It is characterized by symptoms such as respiratory depression, sedation, pinpoint pupils, and decreased level of consciousness.

Opioid addiction is a complex condition characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior, loss of control over opioid use, and continued use despite negative consequences.

The nurse explains that immobilizing a fracture will:

• Help align the bone fragments and reduce movement, which is crucial for proper healing. Immobilization can help maintain the stability of the fracture site, allowing the bones to knit together and heal.
• Help to minimize movement and subsequent pain. It provides support and reduces stress on the injured area, which can help alleviate discomfort and promote a more comfortable healing process.
• Help to minimize movement and reduce the risk of fat globules from bone marrow entering the bloodstream and causing a fat embolism, a potentially serious complication.

Preventing blood clots, preventing malignant hyperthermia, and immobilizing a fracture are not directly related. Preventing blood clots typically involves other measures such as early mobilization, elevation, and medication to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Malignant hyperthermia is a rare, potentially life-threatening reaction to certain medications used during anesthesia, and immobilization does not directly prevent it.