Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF Related

Review Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF related questions and content

A patient who is undergoing withdrawal of mechanical ventilation appears anxious and agitated. The patient is on a continuous morphine infusion and has an additional order for lorazepam 1 to 2 mg IV as needed (prn). The patient has received no lorazepam during this course of illness. What is the most appropriate nursing intearbvirbe.ncotmio/tnes tt o control agitation?

  • A. Administer fentanyl (Duragesic) 25 mg IV bolus.
  • B. Administer midazolam 2 mg IV now.
  • C. Increase the rate of the morphine infusion by 50%.
  • D. Request an order for a paralytic agent.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice B is correct:
1. Midazolam is a benzodiazepine used for sedation and anxiolysis.
2. It acts quickly and has a short duration of action, suitable for acute agitation.
3. Lorazepam (also a benzodiazepine) is in the same drug class, ensuring compatibility.
4. Lorazepam is specifically ordered for this patient, indicating its appropriateness.
5. Administering midazolam addresses the patient's agitation efficiently and safely.

Summary of why other choices are incorrect:
A: Fentanyl is an opioid analgesic, not ideal for managing agitation.
C: Increasing morphine infusion can exacerbate sedation or respiratory depression.
D: Paralytic agents are used for neuromuscular blockade, not agitation control.