What is a common postoperative concern for patients who receive narcotic pain relief?

A common postoperative concern for patients who receive narcotic pain relief is nausea and vomiting due to the pharmacological effects of narcotics. These medications, which are used to manage pain, can cause gastrointestinal disturbances. Opioids can slow down gut motility, leading to nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

This effect is particularly relevant after surgery, as many patients already experience gastrointestinal changes due to anesthesia and the stress of the surgery itself. Managing this side effect is crucial since it can lead to increased discomfort for the patient and potentially hinder recovery if they are unable to eat or hydrate properly.

Other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not directly correlate with the common side effects of narcotic medications in the postoperative setting. For example, dehydration can occur but is not as often directly caused by narcotics, hyperactivity is generally not associated with opioid use—rather, they tend to cause sedation—and insomnia typically results from other factors such as hospital environment or anxiety.