A nurse is preparing to administer an opioid agonist to a client who has acute pain. For which of the following manifestations should the nurse monitor as an adverse effect of this medication?

A. Listening as the patient inhales and then going to the next site during exhalation. This method does not allow for a complete assessment of breath sounds, as abnormalities may be present during either phase of respiration.
B. If the patient is modest, listening to sounds over his or her clothing or hospital gown. Clothing can muffle or distort breath sounds, leading to inaccurate assessments. The stethoscope should be placed directly on the skin.
C. Instructing the patient to breathe in and out rapidly while listening to the breath sounds. Rapid breathing may lead to hyperventilation and dizziness, and it can make it difficult to detect subtle abnormalities such as crackles or wheezes.
D. Listening to at least one full respiration in each location. This is the correct technique because it allows the nurse to fully assess breath sounds during both inhalation and exhalation, ensuring accurate identification of any abnormal sounds.

A. Irritating cough. Opioid agonists do not typically cause an irritating cough. In fact, opioids like codeine are used as antitussives to suppress cough reflexes.
B. Tachypnea. Opioids depress the central nervous system, leading to respiratory depression rather than an increased respiratory rate (tachypnea). The nurse should monitor for bradypnea instead.
C. Hypertension. Opioids commonly cause hypotension due to vasodilation and central nervous system depression. Hypertension is not a typical adverse effect.
D. Urinary retention. Opioids can increase sphincter tone and suppress the urge to void, leading to urinary retention. This is a known side effect and should be monitored, especially in older adults or those with underlying bladder issues.