A child who is intubated and mechanically ventilated has an intracranial pressure monitoring device in place. The child is agitated. Which medication order would the nurse question based on the assessment data?
A.
Fentanyl (Sublimaze)
B.
Lorazepam (Ativan)
C.
Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol)
D.
Morphine (Astramorph)
ANS: C
Pain and agitation are treated aggressively because they both can increase intracranial pressure. Appropriate drug choices include fentanyl, lorazepam, and morphine. Corticosteroids do not treat either pain or agitation and their use in cerebral edema is controversial.
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