A Postoperative Patient Has Orders for Morphine Sulfate 1 to 2

Multiple Choice

A postoperative patient has orders for morphine sulfate 1 to 2 mg IV every 1 hour PRN for severe pain and acetaminophen-hydrocodone [Lortab] 7.5 mg PO every 4 to 6 hours PRN for moderate pain. The patient reports pain at a level of 8 on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst pain. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?

A) Administer acetaminophen-hydrocodone 7.5 mg PO every 4 hours.
B) Administer acetaminophen-hydrocodone 7.5 mg PO every 6 hours and change to every 4 hours if not effective.
C) Administer morphine sulfate 1 mg IV every 1 hour until pain subsides.
D) Administer morphine sulfate 2 mg IV and evaluate the patient's pain in 15 to 30 minutes.