Morphine Protocol

I am not sure what this protocol is...we don't use that language in my neck of the woods. It does make me wonder if they have the patient's pain plan written out.

I worked for a hospice which had a written leaflet for patient's and families about use of morphine for dyspnea and pain.

Perhaps they were conducting some research with a form or delivery method of morphine and that patient was a part of the group?

I just don't know...

You are absolutely correct caliotter3...if there is a written protocol available it should be physically provided to each and every nurse providing the care...especially agency staff. Sounds sort of reckless on the part of management not to.

in the home, morphine sulfate 20mg/ml 5-20mg sl/po q1-2 hours prn breakthrough pain or dyspnea.......at least that is how we do it in the field......................

in the home, morphine sulfate 20mg/ml 5-20mg sl/po q1-2 hours prn breakthrough pain or dyspnea.......at least that is how we do it in the field......................

That's our order, also for home pts. But, I know I wouldn't give Roxanol to anyone without a proper order. In the facilities, it can't be 5-20mg. We were told that that order would be nsg judgemnet and can't be used in a facility. It would have to be something like:

Roxanol 20 mg/ml give 5mg Q 2 hrs PRN pain/dyspnea.

usually if the patient is in end stage-we order the roxanol on admission the 5-20mg sl q2h prn breakthrough pain or dyspnea..... Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. You are correct, ranges are not ordered in the nursing home setting.

linda