Which medication order is written correctly?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Morphine 1-2 mg IV every 6 hours for pain: This order is ambiguous because it provides a range (1–2 mg) without specifying the criteria for choosing a dose. Nurses require clear dosing instructions to safely administer opioids, especially IV, where precise dosing is critical to avoid under- or overdosing. B. Morphine 2 mg IV every 4-6 hours for pain level 5-7: The dosing interval is unclear because "every 4–6 hours" lacks specificity, and variability in timing could lead to overlapping doses or missed therapeutic effect. Precise intervals are necessary to maintain safe analgesia and prevent adverse effects. C. Morphine 1 mg every 6 hours for pain level 5 or more: While the order specifies a pain threshold, the dose may be too low to provide effective analgesia for moderate pain in most adults. Additionally, it lacks IV route specification, which is important for parenteral administration instructions. D. Morphine 2 mg IV every 6 hours for pain level 7-9: This order clearly specifies the dose, route, frequency, and the pain intensity threshold for administration. It provides precise instructions for safe and effective pain management, allowing the nurse to administer the medication appropriately while monitoring for therapeutic effect and adverse reactions.