2024 PN NCLEX Questions Nursing Practice Question
When a woman is receiving postpartum epidural morphine, the nurse should plan to observe for which of the following side effects to occur within the first 3 hours?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Postpartum epidural morphine can lead to several side effects, with itching being a common and notable reaction occurring within the first few hours. This pruritus is often related to the opioid's effects on the central nervous system.
Nausea and vomiting (A) can occur but typically manifest later, often beyond the initial 3-hour window. Urinary retention (C) is a potential side effect, yet it generally develops later as well, due to the impact of epidural anesthesia on bladder function. Somnolence (D) may occur, but it is less immediate and varies significantly among individuals. Thus, itching is the most likely side effect to observe early on.