A patient with congestive heart failure and pulmonary edema is experiencing chest pain. The patient has an order for morphine sulfate IV 4 mg every 5-30 min PRN until chest pain is relieved. The last dose of 4 mg was 15 min prior, and the patient is complaining of chest pain and exhibiting increased work of breathing. The nurse notes a heart rate of 82 beats per minute, a respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute, and a blood pressure of 135/88 mm Hg. What will the nurse do next?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Given the patient's vital signs and the fact that the last dose of morphine was administered 15 minutes ago, it is appropriate to administer another dose of morphine sulfate IV 4 mg over 1-5 min to relieve the chest pain and reduce the work of breathing, as per the order for administration every 5-30 min PRN. The patient's vital signs do not indicate respiratory depression or hypotension that would contraindicate another dose.

A Patient with Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Edema Is