A client is two days postoperative from a right lower lobectomy and has been receiving morphine sulfate 2 mg intravenously q.4h p.r.n. for postoperative pain. It has been two hours since his last dose, and he is now requesting pain medication
When the nurse enters the client's room to administer the morphine, the client states his pain level is 8/10. What is the best action by the nurse?
a. Tell the client his health care provider said he could only be medicated every four hours.
b. Tell the client that his respiration rate is a little low, so he will have to wait several more hours before receiving the morphine.
c. Tell the client he still has two hours to wait for his medication.
d. Collaborate with the health care provider to decrease the dosing interval.
ANS: D
Feedback
A Incorrect: This is not an appropriate nursing response to a client in pain.
B Incorrect: There is no evidence that the client's respirations are not within defined limits.
C Incorrect: This is not an appropriate nursing response to a client in pain.
D Correct: The half-life of morphine IV is 20 minutes with a duration of one-to-two hours, so the nurse should collaborate with the health care provider concerning the morphine prescription.
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