Which symptom warrants reporting when a patient is using morphine?

Which symptom warrants reporting when a patient is using morphine?

• A. Dizziness
• B. Nausea
• C. Respiratory distress
• D. Drowsiness

Answer: (C)

Morphine, as an opioid, can slow or stop breathing by depressing the brain’s respiratory center. When respiratory distress occurs, it can rapidly become life-threatening, so this symptom must be reported immediately so the clinician can adjust dosing, provide supportive care, or use reversal therapy if needed. Dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness are common opioid side effects and, while important to monitor, do not by themselves indicate an urgent risk of respiratory failure. The focus here is on the warning sign that points to potentially dangerous respiratory depression.

Morphine, as an opioid, can slow or stop breathing by depressing the brain’s respiratory center. When respiratory distress occurs, it can rapidly become life-threatening, so this symptom must be reported immediately so the clinician can adjust dosing, provide supportive care, or use reversal therapy if needed. Dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness are common opioid side effects and, while important to monitor, do not by themselves indicate an urgent risk of respiratory failure. The focus here is on the warning sign that points to potentially dangerous respiratory depression.