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12.A patient with acute angle glaucoma and a fractured femur that is scheduled for surgery is prescribed the preoperative medications morphine 10 mg intramuscularly (IM), and atropine 0.4 mg IM. Which action should the nurse take?

a. Hold the morphine.
b. Contact the physician.
c. Give medications as ordered.
d. Collect data on patients pain.

User Yeva
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The nurse should contact the physician to discuss the safety of administering morphine and atropine to a patient with acute angle glaucoma before surgery, as both drugs could potentially exacerbate the condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse needs to consider several factors before administrating preoperative medications to a patient with acute angle glaucoma and a femur fracture. Morphine is an opioid analgesic often used for severe pain relief before and after surgical procedures. However, in patients with acute angle glaucoma, caution is warranted because opioids can increase intraocular pressure, potentially exacerbating the condition. Atropine is an anticholinergic medication typically used preoperatively to decrease secretions. Since the question presents a specific medical scenario involving potential risks, the appropriate action would be b. Contact the physician to review the patient's condition and ensure safety regarding the use of morphine given the presence of acute angle glaucoma. Moreover, atropine could potentially increase ocular pressure as well, adding further risk. After contacting the physician, additional actions such as assessing the patient's pain level could be undertaken as guided by the physician.

User Omkar Sabade
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