What is the primary reason for administering morphine to a client with myocardial infarction?
A. To sedate the client
B. To decrease the client’s pain
C. To decrease the client’s anxiety
D. To decrease oxygen demand on the client’s heart
Correct Answer: D. To decrease oxygen demand on the client’s heart
Morphine is administered because it decreases myocardial oxygen demand. Morphine to relieve pain during a myocardial infarction (MI) has been in use since the early 1900s. In 2005, an observational study raised some concerns, but there are very few effective alternatives. Morphine is a potent opioid; it decreases pain, which in turn leads to a decrease in the activation of the autonomic nervous system. These are desirable effects when a patient is having an MI.
Option A: Morphine can also cause sedation on the client, but it is not the main purpose of administering it. Morphine is rarely used for procedural sedation. However, for small procedures, physicians will sometimes combine a low dose of morphine with a low dose of benzodiazepine-like lorazepam.
Option B: Pain is decreased when morphine is given, but it is not the primary reason for administration. FDA-approved usage of morphine sulfate includes moderate to severe pain that may be acute or chronic. Most commonly used in pain management, morphine provides significant relief to patients afflicted with pain.
Option C: Morphine will also decrease anxiety, but isn’t primarily given for this reason. Morphine can decrease the heart rate, blood pressure, and venous return. Morphine can also stimulate local histamine-mediated processes.