A Patient Who Has Been NPO with Gastric Suction and IV

question 19

Multiple Choice

A patient who has been NPO with gastric suction and IV fluid replacement for 3 days following surgery develops nausea and vomiting, weakness, and confusion and has a serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L (125 mmol/L) . The nurse reviews the health care provider's postoperative medication and IV orders. Which health care provider order should the nurse question?

• A) Administer 3% saline if serum sodium drops to less than 128 mEq/L.
• B) IV morphine sulfate 4 mg every 2 hours prn.
• C) Infuse 5% dextrose in water at 125 ml/hr.
• D) Give IV metoclopramide (Reglan) 10 mg every 6 hours prn nausea.

---

Definitions:

Oucher Scale

A pain rating scale designed for children, using photographs and numerical scales to quantify pain intensity.

Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA)

A method of pain management that allows patients to self-administer prescribed doses of pain medication through a device.

Postoperative Period

The recovery phase following surgery, involving monitoring, pain management, and care to ensure proper healing.

Morphine

A powerful opioid pain medication derived from opium, used to relieve severe pain.