Patient Data Which other medications would the nurse expect the surgeon to prescribe along with morphine? Select all that apply.
Explanation & Rationale
A. Propofol: Propofol is a powerful sedative used mainly for anesthesia or sedation during mechanical ventilation. It is not appropriate or expected for routine postoperative pain management with morphine on a surgical floor. B. Methadone: Methadone is another opioid used for chronic pain management or opioid dependency, not typically prescribed alongside morphine for acute postoperative pain because combining opioids increases the risk of respiratory depression. C. Docusate sodium: Docusate sodium is a stool softener often prescribed with opioids like morphine to prevent constipation, a common opioid side effect. Promoting bowel movements is an important preventative measure in postoperative patients. D. Ibuprofen: Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), may be prescribed to provide additional pain relief through a different mechanism and reduce inflammation. This combination allows lower opioid doses, improving pain management while minimizing opioid side effects. E. Naloxone: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist kept available as a safety measure in case of opioid-induced respiratory depression. Having naloxone ordered and readily accessible is a critical precaution during opioid therapy. F. Senna: Senna is a stimulant laxative that can be prescribed along with docusate to prevent or treat opioid-induced constipation by actively stimulating bowel movements, making it a commonly expected medication alongside opioids.