- Body system
- Pain
- Brand names
- MS Contin, Infumorph, Duramorph
- Antidote or reversal
- Naloxone.
What is Morphine used for?
- Moderate to severe acute and chronic pain
- Pain and dyspnea at the end of life
- Chest pain in acute coronary syndrome not relieved by nitrates (selected patients)
How Morphine works
Opioid agonist: binds mu receptors in the brain and spinal cord, changing how pain is perceived.
Common side effects
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sedation
- Hypotension
- Itching and urinary retention
Report right away
- Slow or shallow breathing, or being very hard to wake
- No bowel movement for several days
Nursing considerations for Morphine
- Assess pain, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and sedation level before and after each dose. Rising sedation comes before respiratory depression.
- Hold and notify the prescriber for a respiratory rate below the ordered parameter (often 12) or excessive sedation; keep naloxone available.
- Start a bowel regimen (stool softener and stimulant laxative) with regular use.
- High-alert medication. Never crush or chew extended-release tablets.
Patient teaching
- Do not drink alcohol or take sedatives with it.
- Get up slowly and ask for help walking.
- Store it locked away and dispose of leftover tablets safely.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Opioid analgesics and antagonists practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Morphine belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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After a dose of IV morphine, a patient is difficult to arouse with a respiratory rate of 8. What is the priority action?
Show answer
Answer A: Stimulate the patient, support breathing and give naloxone as ordered This is opioid-induced respiratory depression. Support the airway and breathing and give naloxone per protocol.
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Which adverse effect of opioids does not lessen with continued use?
Show answer
Answer D: Constipation Tolerance develops to most opioid effects but not to constipation, so a bowel regimen is needed for the whole course.
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Why must a patient who received naloxone be monitored closely?
Show answer
Answer A: Naloxone may wear off before the opioid, and sedation can return Naloxone's duration is shorter than that of many opioids, so respiratory depression can recur.
Frequently asked questions
What is Morphine used for?
Moderate to severe acute and chronic pain; Pain and dyspnea at the end of life; Chest pain in acute coronary syndrome not relieved by nitrates (selected patients).
What drug class is Morphine?
Morphine belongs to the class opioid analgesics and antagonists. Opioid agonist: binds mu receptors in the brain and spinal cord, changing how pain is perceived.
What are the nursing considerations for Morphine?
Assess pain, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and sedation level before and after each dose. Rising sedation comes before respiratory depression. Hold and notify the prescriber for a respiratory rate below the ordered parameter (often 12) or excessive sedation; keep naloxone available.
What should patients report while taking Morphine?
slow or shallow breathing, or being very hard to wake; no bowel movement for several days.
What is the antidote for Morphine?
Naloxone.