Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam Related

Review Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam related questions and content

A postoperative 68-year-old opioid-naive patient is receiving morphine by patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for postoperative pain. What is the rationale for not initiating the PCA analgesic with a basal dose of analgesic as well?

  • A. Opioid overdose
  • B. Nausea and itching
  • C. Adverse respiratory outcomes
  • D. Lack of pain control
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Basal doses increase the risk of adverse respiratory outcomes.