Question

question: 19 of 19 time remaining: 08:14:27 pause remaining: 00:05:00 pause a hospice nurse is caring for a client who has terminal cancer and takes po morphine for pain relief. the client reports that he had to increase the dose of morphine this week to obtain pain relief. which of the following scenarios should the nurse document as the explanation for this situation? the client not been taking the medication properly. the client is experiencing episodes of confusion. the client has become addicted to the medication. the client developed a tolerance to the medication.

Explanation:

Tolerance to opioids like morphine occurs when the body adapts to the drug, requiring a higher dose to achieve the same pain relief. This is distinct from addiction (which involves compulsive use despite harm) or improper medication use (no indication here). Confusion is a potential side effect, not the reason for needing a higher dose. Thus, tolerance is the correct explanation.

Answer:

The client developed a tolerance to the medication.