The rate of administration will be determined on a daily basis with mandatory twenty-four hour, complete rewrites by the physician. Side Effect Intervention Anticipate side effects associated with therapy and implement preventive measures. Titration of the intravenous narcotic dose should be done in a gradual and step-wise manner to prevent excessive depression of the respiratory rate. Excessive dosage is best controlled by slowing or stopping the infusion rate and allowing the drug level to fall on its own, if at all possible. Myoclonus and seizures occur most often with chronic high dose administration.
Benzodiazepines can be beneficial.
Constipation will be prevented by monitoring bowel function each day and laxatives utilized to maintain regular stools q 72 hours. Dry mouth will be treated with mouth care q 1-2 hours. Clinically significant urinary hesitancy and retention occurs infrequently, and usually in men. Intermittent catheterization may be necessary for a short time. Assess fluid balance.