MPM2

Morte: I completely agree with you about the order - I think it's unacceptable as well. The patient was also NPO so I question the experience of the dr. Also, I think I would wait an hour and then even then start with the lower dose of 2.5mg sc then reassess. thanks for your input. Wooh: The patient had an IV but because this is a ward situation, IV Morphine administration is not allowed. Anyway, thank you for you input. Regards.

thank you for your input. ATC means around the clock - routine, scheduled.

have a hypothetical question about breakthrough medication: New orders for a patient read 'Morphine 10mg IM/sc/po q4hours ATC' in addition to '2.5-5mg IM/sc/po q1hour prn for Breakthrough Pain'. The first routine dose of 10mg sc was given at 2000hbut ½ hour later the patient still complains of severe pain. Since the onset of sc Morphine may not have occurred yet should the nurse wait until 2100h to safely administer 5 mg sc prn? When is the earliest that the prn dose can be initiated in this case?