What potential complication is the nurse assessing for in a client receiving morphine for PCA?

When assessing a client receiving morphine for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), respiratory depression is a critical potential complication. Morphine, an opioid analgesic, can significantly suppress the central nervous system, particularly the respiratory centers in the brain. This leads to slowed or shallow breathing, which poses a serious risk to the patient.

The risk of respiratory depression is heightened with the use of PCA because patients can self-administer doses, potentially leading to higher plasma concentrations of the drug. Therefore, close monitoring of respiratory rate and depth is essential. Additionally, recognizing any signs of decreased oxygen saturation early allows for timely intervention, such as administering naloxone, should respiratory depression occur.

While nausea and vomiting, constipation, and allergic reactions are also potential side effects of morphine use, the immediate and life-threatening nature of respiratory depression makes it the most critical complication to assess in this scenario. This underscores the importance of diligent assessment and patient education on the warning signs associated with morphine administration.