A patient is prescribed Morphine 15 mg IM stat. The medication is available as Morphine 30 mg/mL. How many milliliters of medication should the nurse administer?

A. Elixir: An elixir is a clear, sweetened liquid medication typically prepared in water and alcohol to enhance solubility and palatability. It is designed for oral administration and allows accurate dosing, especially for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules.

B. Suspension: A suspension contains insoluble solid particles dispersed in a liquid. It must be shaken before administration to ensure proper dosing and is not a clear solution.

C. Paste: A paste is a semisolid preparation with a high proportion of insoluble powder in an ointment base. It is intended for topical application and is not a liquid medication.

D. Ointment: An ointment is a semisolid, oil-based preparation for topical use, often used to provide a protective barrier or deliver medication locally. It is not a clear liquid and is not intended for oral administration.

A. Tell me more about your concerns regarding this medication: This approach uses therapeutic communication to explore the client’s reasons for refusal, promotes understanding, and supports autonomy. It encourages informed decision-making while maintaining a collaborative nurse–client relationship.

B. You must take your medication as prescribed to get better: This directive approach is authoritarian and disregards the client’s right to make choices. It can increase resistance, reduce trust, and does not foster informed consent or engagement in care.

C. If you choose not to take it, you are responsible for the consequences: While legally accurate, this statement emphasizes blame rather than understanding. It may provoke anxiety or defensiveness and does not promote open communication or informed decision-making.

D. Okay, I will notify the physician that you refuse your medication: Notifying the provider is part of documentation and protocol, but this response does not engage the client in discussion or support exploration of their concerns. It addresses procedure rather than autonomy and education.