Drug Classifications Nursing Chart Related

Review Drug Classifications Nursing Chart related questions and content

A physician has ordered intramuscular (IM) injections of morphine, a narcotic, every 4 hours as needed for pain in a motor vehicle accident victim. The nurse is aware this drug has a high abuse potential. Under what category would morphine be classified?

  • A. Schedule I
  • B. Schedule II
  • C. Schedule III
  • D. Schedule IV
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Narcotics with a high abuse potential are classified as Schedule II drugs because of severe dependence liability. Schedule I drugs have high abuse potential and no accepted medical use. Schedule III drugs have a lesser abuse potential than II and an accepted medical use. Schedule IV drugs have low abuse potential and limited dependence liability.