Hospice and Palliative Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

When a patient is on opioids, monitoring for constipation is crucial because opioids often have a significant impact on the gastrointestinal (GI) system. They bind to specific receptors in the bowel which slows down peristalsis, leading to decreased motility. This decreased motility can cause stool to remain in the intestines longer, resulting in harder and drier stools that are difficult to pass, ultimately leading to constipation.

Constipation can severely affect a patient’s comfort and quality of life, and if left unaddressed, it may lead to more significant complications, such as bowel obstruction. Therefore, healthcare providers carefully monitor for this side effect and often implement preventative measures, such as prescribing laxatives or recommending dietary changes rich in fiber and fluid intake.

Other options like increased appetite, weight loss, and insomnia are less commonly associated with opioid use. While patients may experience various side effects depending on individual reactions to the medication, constipation consistently emerges as a key concern that healthcare providers need to address with patients receiving opioid therapy.