A patient with suspected myocardial infarction receives morphine for persistent severe pain. Which assessment is the priority after administration?

Correct answer: A. Respiratory rate and level of consciousness

  • A. Respiratory rate and level of consciousness
  • B. Bowel sounds and abdominal tenderness
  • C. Skin turgor and oral temperature
  • D. Visual acuity and pupil colour

Explanation

Morphine can depress respirations and consciousness, so airway and breathing assessment takes priority. The nurse should also monitor blood pressure because opioid-related vasodilation may cause hypotension.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
Report an error

The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.

Prefer email? support@testustad.com

About Cardiovascular Nursing

Covers assessment and nursing care for hypertension, coronary artery disease, angina, myocardial infarction, heart failure, valvular disease and dysrhythmias. It includes interpreting vital signs and ECG findings, managing chest pain, monitoring cardiac medicines, recognizing complications and distinguishing left-sided from right-sided heart failure.

Practise Cardiovascular Nursing

50 free Cardiovascular Nursing MCQs from Medical Surgical Nursing, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Discussion

Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.

No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.

Exams that ask Medical Surgical Nursing questions like this

Medical Surgical Nursing is on 8 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

More Cardiovascular Nursing questions