A patient who had a myocardial infarction asks the nurse why they are receiving morphine.
Which benefits of morphine should the nurse explain to this patient? (Select all that apply)
Pain relief
Sedation
Increases urinary output
Decreases myocardial demand .
Correct Answer : A,B,D
Choice A rationale:
Pain relief is a primary benefit of morphine administration in the setting of myocardial infarction.
Pain can trigger a stress response, leading to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen demand.
Morphine effectively reduces pain, thereby lessening the stress response and its detrimental effects on the heart.
This helps to minimize myocardial ischemia and potential further damage to the heart muscle.
Pain control also improves patient comfort and overall well-being, which can indirectly contribute to better cardiac outcomes.
Choice B rationale:
Sedation is another important benefit of morphine in this context.
It promotes rest and relaxation, which can lower heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen demand.
This is crucial for patients with myocardial infarction, as their hearts require reduced workload to heal and recover.
Sedation also helps to alleviate anxiety and agitation, which can further strain the heart.
By inducing a state of calmness, morphine can indirectly protect the heart from additional stress.
Choice C rationale:
While morphine does have diuretic effects, increasing urinary output is not a primary goal in the management of myocardial infarction.
In fact, excessive diuresis could potentially lead to dehydration and hypotension, which could be detrimental to cardiac function.
Therefore, while morphine may slightly increase urine output, this is not a major reason for its use in this setting.
Choice D rationale:
Decreasing myocardial demand is a key benefit of morphine administration in patients with myocardial infarction.
Morphine achieves this by:
Reducing pain and the associated stress response
Promoting sedation and relaxation
Diminishing anxiety and agitation
Exerting a direct vasodilatory effect on blood vessels
This collective action of morphine leads to a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and the heart’s overall workload.
As a result, the heart requires less oxygen and experiences reduced strain, allowing for better healing and recovery following a myocardial infarction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Asking the patient to lift up is not appropriate in this situation. It could disturb the clot that has formed at the puncture site and worsen the bleeding. Additionally, it could cause discomfort or pain to the patient.
It's crucial to prioritize actions that address the bleeding and ensure patient safety.
Choice B rationale:
While assessing the groin site is important to identify the source of bleeding, it's not the priority action.
In a case of significant blood loss, immediate assistance is necessary to control the bleeding and prevent further complications.
Delaying the call for help could compromise the patient's hemodynamic stability and lead to shock.
Choice C rationale:
Obtaining vital signs provides valuable information about the patient's condition, but it should not take precedence over calling for help in a case of active bleeding.
Timely intervention to control the bleeding is crucial to prevent hemodynamic instability and potential shock.
Choice D rationale:
Calling for help is the priority action because it ensures prompt assistance from other healthcare professionals.
This allows for a coordinated response to manage the bleeding effectively, initiate appropriate interventions, and closely monitor the patient's condition.
Early intervention is essential to prevent further blood loss, maintain hemodynamic stability, and optimize patient outcomes.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a blood clot that forms in a vein, usually in the legs. It can be a serious condition, as the clot can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE).
Crossing the legs at the knees can impede blood flow in the veins of the legs, increasing the risk of VTE. This is because it compresses the veins, slowing the flow of blood and making it more likely for clots to form.
The patient's statement that they will make sure not to cross their legs when resting in bed demonstrates that they understand this important risk factor for VTE and are taking steps to prevent it.
Choice B rationale:
While keeping pillows under the knees can help to improve circulation, it is not a specific measure to prevent VTE. It is more important to avoid crossing the legs and to engage in regular movement and activity to promote blood flow.
Choice C rationale:
Compression stockings can help to reduce the risk of VTE by compressing the veins in the legs and promoting blood flow. However, they should be worn as instructed by a healthcare professional, and not only if the patient experiences pain in their calves. Pain in the calves can be a symptom of VTE, so it is important to seek medical attention if it occurs.
Choice D rationale:
Bed rest is actually a risk factor for VTE, as it can lead to decreased blood flow in the legs. It is important to get up and move around as soon as possible after surgery, even if it is just for short periods of time. This will help to promote blood flow and reduce the risk of VTE.
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