A nurse admitting and orienting an older adult to the hospital unit discusses fall prevention and demonstrates the use of the call bell to the patient. The patient's daughter asks: "Why don't you just put up all the side rails to prevent my mother from getting out of bed by herself and falling. That should work, right?" What is the nurse's best response?

A. Constipation is a common side effect of opioid medications like morphine. It is a priority to address because constipation can lead to discomfort, increased pain, and other complications. Preventive measures such as increased fiber intake, adequate hydration, and bowel regimen may be necessary.

B. Poor solid food intake and C. poor liquid intake are concerns, but they are secondary to the immediate issue of constipation. Adequate nutrition and hydration are important for overall recovery, but constipation can have more immediate and uncomfortable consequences.

D. Diarrhea is not a common side effect of morphine. In fact, constipation is a more common gastrointestinal side effect. If the patient were to experience diarrhea, it could be indicative of another issue or complication that needs to be addressed, but it is not the primary preventive care concern associated with morphine use.

A. Driving in heavy traffic is fine as long as it is not raining.
Explanation: Driving in heavy traffic can pose challenges for individuals, especially those who may experience age-related changes in vision, reaction time, and cognitive function. The recommendation is to avoid heavy traffic, especially if it might increase stress and the likelihood of accidents.

B. If you have a passenger, you may drive at any time of the day.
Explanation: The presence of a passenger does not necessarily eliminate the potential challenges associated with age-related changes in driving abilities. It is important for older individuals to consider factors such as time of day, visibility, and overall driving conditions.

C. Limit driving to familiar places close to home.
Explanation: Limiting driving to familiar places close to home is a safer practice for older individuals who may face challenges with vision, reaction time, and other factors that can impact driving. Familiar routes are more likely to be navigated confidently, reducing the risk of getting lost or encountering unexpected challenges.

D. Playing music will help keep you alert.
Explanation: While playing music can be enjoyable, it may not be an effective strategy for maintaining alertness, especially during challenging driving conditions. The focus should be on adopting safe driving habits and minimizing distractions to ensure overall safety on the road.