Clinical Medications Worksheets
Generic Name Trade Name
morphine n/a
Peak Onset Duration
20 min rapid 4-5 hrs
Why is your patient getting this medication
Pain
Mechanism of action and indications
(Why med ordered)
Binds to opiate receptors in the CNS. Alters the
perception of and response to painful stimuli while
producing generalized CNS depression
Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal
medicines (ask patient specifically)
Additive CNS depression with Tylenol3, Loratab,
Ativan,, phenytoin
Nursing Process- Assessment
(Pre-administration assessment)
Assess type, location, and intensity of pain
prior to and 20 min (peak) following IV
administration. Assess level of
consciousness, blood pressure, pulse, and
respirations before and periodically during
administration. Assess bowel function
routinely.
Classification Dose Route Time/frequency
Opioid analgesic 2mg/4mg IVP PRN Pain
Normal dosage range
Usual starting dose for moderate to severe pain in opioid-
naive patients--4-10 mg q 3-4 hr.
Rate: Administer 2.5-15 mg over 4-5 min. Rapid
administration may lead to increased respiratory depression,
hypotension, and circulatory collapse
For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or solutions
Solution is colorless; do not administer discolored solution.
Dilute with at least 5 ml of sterile water or 0.9% NaCl for
injection to a concentration of 0.5-5 mg/ml
Y-Site Incompatibility: amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate,
azithromycin, cefepime, doxorubicin liposome, minocycline,
phenytoin, sargramostim
Nursing Implications (what to focus on)
Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Hypersensitivity, Some products contain tartrazine,
bisulfites, or alcohol and should be avoided in patients with
known hypersensitivity
Common side effects
confusion, sedation, RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION,
hypotension, constipation
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
May ↑ plasma amylase and lipase levels
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
medication
Instruct pt on when and how to ask for pain medication and
how to rate pain on a scale of one to ten. Advise to change
positions slowly to minimize orthostatic hypotension.
Encourage pt to turn cough and deep breathe to prevent
atelectasis.
Assessment Evaluation
Why would you hold or not give this med? Check after giving
If respiratory rate is <10/min, assess level of Decrease in severity of
sedation. Toxicity (administer Narcan) pain without a
significant alteration in
level of consciousness
or respiratory status