ATI Learning System PN Medical Surgical Final Quizlet Related

Review ATI Learning System PN Medical Surgical Final Quizlet related questions and content

A patient with a myocardial infarction (MI) is being treated with intravenous morphine. What is the primary reason for administering morphine to this patient?

  • A. To reduce pain.
  • B. To decrease anxiety.
  • C. To reduce cardiac workload.
  • D. To increase respiratory rate.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The primary reason for administering morphine to a patient with MI is to reduce cardiac workload. Morphine acts as a vasodilator and decreases preload and afterload on the heart, reducing myocardial oxygen demand. This helps to improve coronary blood flow and decrease the workload on the heart muscle, which is crucial in the setting of an MI.

Explanation for other choices:
A: While morphine can help reduce pain in MI, the primary reason for administering it is to reduce cardiac workload.
B: Morphine may have a calming effect, but the primary goal is to reduce cardiac workload.
D: Morphine can actually decrease respiratory rate as a side effect, making this choice incorrect.