The nurse is caring for a postoperative client who is receiving morphine every two hours for pain. The client has a respiratory rate of 18 with normal depth of respirations
The nurse assesses that the client is frequently drowsy but arousable, and drifts off to sleep during conversation. The client is due for the next dose of morphine. The nurse plans to do which of the following for this client? 1. Give the next dose of morphine.
2. Give the client half of the dose of morphine.
3. Withhold the medication.
4. Notify the RN of the client's status.
4
Rationale: The client has a sedation score of three, and should have the dose of morphine decreased. The nurse will notify the RN, who will assess the client further and contact the physician for a dose reduction. Giving the next dose could cause respiratory depression. Only the physician can reduce the dose, unless the dose is ordered in conjunction with the sedation scale by the physician. The nurse would not withhold the medication without notifying the RN of the client's status.
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