A terminally ill patient is anxious and having difficulty breathing. Which medication should the nurse anticipate being prescribed for this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1. Fentanyl is a potent analgesic that would not be indicated for this patient.
2. Morphine is the preferred analgesic for use with a dying patient. This patient is demonstrating anxiety.
3. Diazepam has more cardiovascular and respiratory effects than lorazepam.
4. Lorazepam is rapid acting, less expensive, and may have fewer respiratory and cardiovascular depressive effects when treating anxiety.

A Terminally Ill Patient Is Anxious and Having Difficulty Breathing