Question

One hour ago, a nurse administered morphine sulfate 4 mg IVP to a client who reported pain of 9 on a scale of 10. The client now reports pain of a 7 on a scale of 10. What is the priority intervention at this time?

Answer 1

Reassess the client's pain and vital signs, evaluate for adverse effects of morphine, and consult with the healthcare provider if pain is not adequately controlled or there are concerning symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The priority intervention after learning that a client reports a decrease from a pain level of 9 to 7 after administration of 4 mg morphine sulfate IVP one hour ago would be to reassess the client's pain and overall condition. This includes checking vital signs, asking about the quality of pain, and determining if the pain is tolerable or if additional analgesia is needed. The nurse must also evaluate for any potential adverse effects of morphine, such as respiratory depression or altered mental status. If the pain is not adequately controlled or if there are concerning symptoms, the nurse should consult with the healthcare provider for further orders, which may include additional pain medication. It's crucial to ensure the safe and effective management of the client's pain while monitoring for signs of medication side effects.