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.
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Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not a typical finding during a sickle cell crisis. In fact, during a crisis, the child may exhibit tachycardia (increased heart rate) due to pain, stress, and potential hypoxia.
B. While constipation can be a complication in children with sickle cell disease (often related to pain medications or dehydration), it is not a primary symptom of a sickle cell crisis itself. The immediate concerns in a crisis are related to pain and vaso-occlusive episodes.
C. High fever is not a direct symptom of a sickle cell crisis. Although children with sickle cell disease are at increased risk for infections, which can cause fever, a fever is not a typical finding specifically related to a sickle cell crisis. It is essential to assess for infection, especially if fever is present.
D. Pain is the hallmark symptom of a sickle cell crisis, often referred to as a vaso-occlusive crisis. The sickle-shaped red blood cells can block blood flow in small vessels, leading to severe pain in various parts of the body, such as the chest, abdomen, and joints.
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