External Maternal Monitoring Related

Review External Maternal Monitoring related questions and content

The patient who has received a dose of preservative-free morphine (Duramorph) is beginning to experience pruritus. Which medication is used to treat this?

  • A. Low-dose naloxone infusion
  • B. Diphenhydramine
  • C. Dilaudid
  • D. Sublimaze
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Diphenhydramine. Pruritus is a common side effect of opioids like morphine. Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, can help alleviate itching by blocking histamine receptors. Low-dose naloxone infusion (A) is used to reverse opioid overdose, not treat pruritus. Dilaudid (C) and Sublimaze (D) are also opioids and would not be effective in treating pruritus caused by morphine. Diphenhydramine is the most appropriate choice for addressing this specific symptom.