Patient Data

Exhibits

The nurse is anticipating which additional medications the healthcare provider may prescribe for the client to manage side effects while on morphine sulfate.
Select the 3 medications that would be most appropriate to manage the side effects of morphine sulfate.

Rationale for correct choices:

• Pain: The client reports a pain level of 10/10 in the left arm, described as sharp and constant. Pain at this severity requires urgent management because uncontrolled pain can impair mobility. Immediate intervention for pain ensures comfort and supports further diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

• Compartment syndrome: Findings of swelling, decreased sensation, coolness of the skin, and diminished left radial pulse suggest compromised circulation. These are classic warning signs of compartment syndrome, a limb-threatening complication caused by increased pressure within a muscle compartment.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

• Mobility: While the client’s long-term recovery will require mobility interventions, it is not the immediate priority in the acute emergency setting. Pain and neurovascular compromise take precedence over mobility at this stage because they directly affect safety and circulation.

• Swelling: Swelling is a significant concern, but it is a symptom rather than the priority need. Addressing pain and preventing complications such as compartment syndrome will indirectly reduce swelling by improving circulation and managing tissue injury.

• Venous thromboembolism: The client’s high BMI and reduced mobility put him at risk for VTE, but this is a longer-term complication. It does not outweigh the immediate need to manage severe pain and monitor for compartment syndrome, which can cause rapid tissue necrosis.

• Fat embolism syndrome: Fat embolism is a possible complication of long bone fractures, but there is no evidence here of a femoral fracture or respiratory distress. Although his weight and orthopedic history are risk factors, the current findings point more strongly toward compartment syndrome.

A. Notify the social worker the client is awake: The social worker is already attempting to contact family. Awakening does not require immediate notification; the priority is client care and stabilization.

B. Explain all procedures: As the client becomes more alert, clear explanations reduce anxiety, promote cooperation, and support orientation, especially in the ICU environment.

C. Increase the propofol infusion: Increasing sedation without clinical indication may mask neurological changes and hinder assessment. Sedative adjustments should be based on prescribed parameters and provider orders.

D. Consider extubating the client: Extubation is only considered when specific respiratory and hemodynamic criteria are met. Waking up does not automatically mean the client is ready to be extubated.

E. Have the client sign consent forms for procedures already performed: Consent must be obtained prior to procedures. Once completed, retroactive consent is not valid or ethical.

F. Assess the client’s pain: Pain assessment is essential in postoperative and trauma patients, particularly once the client is able to communicate.

G. Determine the client’s decision-making ability: As the client becomes more awake, assessing cognitive status and ability to participate in care decisions is appropriate and supports autonomy.

H. Decrease the noise and light stimuli in the room as much as possible: Minimizing environmental stimuli helps reduce delirium risk, improves comfort, and promotes healing in critically ill patients.