A nurse is preparing to administer morphine 4 mg IV bolus to a client who reports pain. Available is morphine 10 mg/mL. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Have another nurse witness the disposal of the extra medication.
Discard the extra medication in a sharps container.
Save the extra medication for a later dosing.
Send the waste amount to the pharmacy.
The Correct Answer is A
A. In many institutions, when a nurse administers a controlled substance and has leftover medication, it is standard practice to have another nurse witness the disposal of the excess. This is a safeguard against misuse and ensures accountability.
B. While a sharps container is appropriate for disposing of needles and other sharp objects, it is not suitable for liquid medications. Discarding liquid medications in a sharps container could lead to contamination and is not compliant with disposal protocols.
C. Medications, especially controlled substances, should never be saved for later use once they have been drawn up or prepared. This practice poses a significant risk for medication errors and misuse.
D. Generally, the waste amount is not sent to the pharmacy. Instead, it should be wasted according to the facility's policy, typically in the presence of another nurse. Sending it to the pharmacy is unnecessary and could create logistical complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Pain is one of the hallmark symptoms of sickle cell anemia, particularly during a sickle cell crisis. The sickling of red blood cells can obstruct blood flow, leading to ischemia and severe pain in various parts of the body, including the chest, abdomen, and joints.
B. Clients with sickle cell anemia often experience anxiety, especially during pain crises or hospitalizations. The uncertainty surrounding pain episodes, potential complications, and the chronic nature of the disease can contribute to feelings of anxiety.
C. Many individuals with sickle cell anemia may experience sleeplessness due to pain, discomfort, or anxiety related to their condition. Pain episodes can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and further complicating their overall health.
D. Difficulty speaking is not a typical manifestation of sickle cell anemia. While severe complications, such as stroke, can occur in individuals with sickle cell disease and may lead to speech difficulties, this is not a direct manifestation of the condition itself.
E. Depression is common among individuals with chronic illnesses, including sickle cell anemia. The ongoing challenges of managing pain, frequent medical visits, and the impact of the disease on daily life can contribute to feelings of depression.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While monitoring temperature is important in assessing for infection, it is not the priority assessment before administering morphine. Temperature does not directly relate to the immediate effects or risks associated with opioid administration.
B. Blood pressure monitoring is essential, especially in a postoperative patient. However, opioids primarily impact the respiratory system rather than directly causing significant changes in blood pressure. While hypotension can occur with opioids, it is not the most immediate concern when administering morphine.
C. This is the priority assessment. Opioids, including morphine, can cause respiratory depression, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening side effect. Before administering morphine, it is crucial to assess the respiratory rate to ensure the patient is not at risk for respiratory distress. If the respiratory rate is low (typically less than 12 breaths per minute), the nurse may need to hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider.
D. While it is important to monitor heart rate, especially in postoperative patients, the primary concern with morphine administration is its effect on respiration. The heart rate may not be as critical to assess immediately before administering morphine as the respiratory rate is.
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