A postoperative patient has orders for morphine sulfate 1 to 2 mg IV every 1 hour PRN for severe pain and acetaminophen-hydrocodone [Lortab] 7.5 mg PO every 4 to 6 hours PRN for moderate pain. The patient reports pain at a level of 8 on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst pain. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
A) Administer acetaminophen-hydrocodone 7.5 mg PO every 4 hours.
B) Administer acetaminophen-hydrocodone 7.5 mg PO every 6 hours and change to every 4 hours if not effective.
C) Administer morphine sulfate 1 mg IV every 1 hour until pain subsides.
D) Administer morphine sulfate 2 mg IV and evaluate the patient's pain in 15 to 30 minutes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

With PRN medications, the schedule is not fixed and the administration of these medications depends on the patient's condition. It is the nurse's responsibility to assess the patient's condition and then give the appropriate PRN medication. In this case, the patient has severe pain and should receive MS IV. Either 1 or 2 mg may be given, but the nurse must evaluate the effectiveness of the pain medication within 15 to 30 minutes to help determine subsequent doses. Acetaminophen-hydrocodone is not appropriate because it is ordered for moderate pain and this patient reports severe pain. Giving MS IV every hour is not appropriate for a PRN medication unless the patient's condition warrants it.

A Postoperative Patient Has Orders for Morphine Sulfate 1 to 2