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NCLEX Question of the Day
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A client with chronic pain takes extended-release morphine 30mg PO every 12 hours and morphine 15mg PO every 4 hours as needed for breakthrough pain. How many mg of as-needed morphine can the client take safely in 24 hours?
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120mg
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15mg
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30mg
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Correct answer 90mg
Rationale
To solve this question, first determine how many PRN doses the client can take in 24 hours.
With a frequency of every 4 hours, there are 6 possible PRN times in 24 hours (24 ÷ 4 = 6). Next, multiply the number of doses by the amount per dose.
6 doses x 15mg/dose = 90mg. So the maximum amount of morphine that can be taken safely as needed in addition to the scheduled doses is 90mg/24hr.
It is important to note that this calculation provides the maximum safe PRN amount based on the prescribed parameters -- it does not mean the client should necessarily take this full amount routinely. PRN doses should only be taken as needed for breakthrough pain, and the effectiveness and side effects should be closely monitored.
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