A client starting opioid therapy asks how to prevent constipation. Which teaching should the nurse include?
1Use the prescribed bowel regimen and increase fluids, fiber, and activity as tolerated.✓ Correct answer
2Avoid physical activity since it can trigger abdominal cramping and worsen discomfort.
3Reduce fluid intake to decrease intestinal water absorption and shrink stool bulk.
4Delay reporting constipation until you have had no bowel movement for two full weeks.
Explanation
Opioids commonly slow bowel motility, so prevention includes a prescribed bowel regimen plus fluids, fiber, and activity as tolerated. Fluid restriction, inactivity, and delayed reporting increase constipation risk and may lead to complications.
Clinical Judgment Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Opioid constipation prevention.
Memory Tip Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.
KR vs US NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.
Clinical Practice GuideFor Opioid constipation prevention, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.
CautionDo not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.
Opioid Constipation — Reduced bowel motility caused by opioid medications.
Bowel Regimen — A planned set of medications or habits to prevent or treat constipation.
Ambulation — Walking or moving as tolerated to support circulation and bowel function.