Cardiovascular Drugs and Medications Q 79
A client arrives in the emergency with complaints of chest pain and is diagnosed with acute MI. A morphine 4mg IV was given 5 minutes ago. Which of the following assessments made by the nurse indicates a further immediate action?
A. Respiratory rate from 20 bpm to 12 bpm.
B. Blood pressure from 120/70 to 100/60 mmHg.
C. The client still complains of chest pain with a pain scale of 2/10.
D. Cardiac rate of 103 bpm and a normal sinus rhythm of the ECG.
Correct Answer: C. The client still complains of chest pain with a pain scale of 2/10.
The goal for the client with an acute myocardial infarction is to eliminate the pain. Even pain related to a level of 2/10 should be managed with an additional dose of morphine.
Options A, B, & D: Although hypotension, respiratory depression, and tachycardia are the side effects of morphine, they do not require further action at this time.