What teaching should be provided to patients taking opioid analgesics?

Patients taking opioid analgesics should be taught to report any difficulty breathing, dizziness, or confusion. This is critical because opioids can cause respiratory depression, which can lead to serious complications. Respiratory depression is a potentially life-threatening side effect, making it essential for patients to be vigilant about any signs of breathing difficulties. Dizziness and confusion can also indicate that the medication is affecting the central nervous system, leading to falls or injuries.

Monitoring for these symptoms empowers patients to seek timely medical assistance if they experience these adverse effects, ensuring their safety while on the medication. This proactive approach is a vital component of patient education concerning opioid therapy. In contrast, while food might help with absorption, it's a less crucial aspect of opioid therapy, and monitoring blood pressure or limiting fluid intake is not typically relevant to the management of these medications.