A patient who had an appendectomy for a ruptured appendix yesterday has an order for morphine 4 mg q 6 hours prn. Every 5 hours and 55 minutes, the patient puts on the call light and asks for the morphine
A staff member comments that the patient is drug-seeking. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate first?
a. Explain to the patient that weaning off the morphine as soon as possible is essential to reduce the risk of addiction.
b. Administer the morphine every 4 hours instead of every 6 hours.
c. Consult with the RN or physician about ordering a higher or more frequent dose of morphine.
d. Explain to the staff member that labeling the patient as drug seeking is inappropriate.
ANS: C
The patient has acute postsurgical pain that is not being controlled effectively with a q 6 hour schedule. The nurse should consult with the RN or physician for a change in orders. The patient just had surgery yesterday, so it is not reasonable to wean off the opioid yet. The morphine cannot be given every 4 hours without an order. Educating the staff member may be appropriate, but treating the patient's pain is the first priority.
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