While Caring for a Patient in Hospice Who Is Actively

Multiple Choice

While caring for a patient in hospice who is actively dying, the nurse notes moderate respiratory distress, copious oral secretion, and a frequent moist cough. Which of the following prn medications would most promote comfort for the patient?

A) Morphine (morphine sulfate) 2 mg IV bolus
B) Atro-Pen (atropine) 0.4 mg IV bolus
C) Ativan (lorazepam) 0.5 mg IV bolus
D) Benadryl (diphenhydramine) 25 mg IV bolus