Medical Uses
Morphine is most commonly used to manage this type of pain.
What is severe or chronic pain?
Morphine binds primarily to these receptors in the brain and spinal cord.
What are mu opioid receptors?
This medication can reverse a morphine overdose.
What is naloxone (Narcan)?
The most common side effect of morphine that affects the bowels.
What is constipation?
The main goal of palliative care is to relieve these symptoms.
What is pain and stress?
Morphine reduces pain by decreasing the release of these neurotransmitter.
What is substance P and glutamate ?
Patients should never combine morphine with this class of drugs due to risk of respiratory failure.
What are benzodiazepines or sedatives?
Morphine can cause constricted pupils, a sign known as this.
What is miosis?
Fear of this often prevents proper morphine use by patients and providers.
What is addiction?
By hyperpolarizing neurons, morphine makes them less likely to do this.
What is fire or transmit pain impulses?
Nursing education should emphasize that morphine use in palliative care is for comfort, not this.
What is hastening death or euthanasia?
This type of pain relief tolerance may develop over time, requiring higher doses.
What is opioid tolerance?
Morphine can also be used to relieve this symptom in patients with advanced heart failure.
What is shortness of breath (dyspnea)?
Morphine’s effects on the brainstem can cause this dangerous side effect at high doses.
What is respiratory depression?
Before giving morphine, always check this vital sign to ensure patient safety.
What is respiratory rate?
The classic triad of morphine overdose includes coma, respiratory depression, and this.
What are pinpoint pupils?