Morphine 10 mg IV every 4 to 6 hours prn is ordered for a patient with a pancreatic tumor who has a distant history of opioid abuse. After 3 days of receiving the morphine every 6 hours, the patient tells the nurse that the medication is needed more frequently to control the pain. The best initial action by the nurse is to

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These patient data indicate that tolerance for the morphine is developing and more frequent administration is needed to maintain pain control. A weaning protocol is not indicated, since the patient still has the pancreatic tumor and there is no indication that the physiologic basis of the pain has changed. Although the patient may be at risk for addiction, adequate pain management is the priority at present. Alternative therapies may be a useful adjuvant to the morphine but should not be the first nursing action.

Morphine 10 Mg IV Every 4 to 6 Hours Prn