Critical Care Nursing Cardiac Questions Related

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A patient with end-stage heart failure is experiencing consaibdirebr.caobmle/te dsty spnea. What is the appropriate pharmacological management of this symptom ?

  • A. Administration of 6 mg of midazolam and initiation of a continuous midazolam infusion.
  • B. Administration of morphine, 5 mg IV bolus, and initia tion of a continuous morphine infusion.
  • C. Hourly increases of the midazolam (Versed) infusion b y 100% dose increments.
  • D. Hourly increases of the morphine infusion by 100% dose increments.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administration of morphine, 5 mg IV bolus, and initiation of a continuous morphine infusion. Morphine is the preferred pharmacological management for severe dyspnea in end-stage heart failure due to its potent analgesic and anxiolytic properties.

Step-by-step rationale:
1. Morphine is a potent opioid that helps relieve dyspnea by reducing anxiety, decreasing respiratory drive, and improving overall comfort.
2. The initial IV bolus of 5 mg provides rapid relief of dyspnea.
3. Initiating a continuous morphine infusion ensures sustained relief of dyspnea.
4. Midazolam (choice A) is a benzodiazepine used for sedation and anxiety, but it is not the first-line treatment for dyspnea in this scenario.
5. Increasing the midazolam (choice C) or morphine (choice D) infusions by 100% dose increments hourly is not appropriate as