Question

A nurse receives a verbal order from the provider to administer morphine 5 mg every 4 hours subcutaneously for severe pain as needed. The nurse should identify which of the following entries as the correct format for the medication administration record (MAR)?

A. MSO4 5mg subcut every 4 hr PRN severe pain
B. Morphine 5mg subcut every 4 hr PRN severe pain
C. MSO4 5mg SQ every 4 hr PRN severe pain
D. Morphine 5.0mg subcutaneously every 4 hr PRN severe pain

Answer 1

The correct entry for a nurse's medication administration record is 'Morphine 5mg subcutaneously every 4 hr PRN severe pain,' as it clearly denotes the medication, dose, route, frequency, and condition for administering morphine.

Step-by-step explanation:

When transcribing a verbal order for medication administration, it is crucial to use the correct format for clarity and safety. A correct entry on the medication administration record (MAR) for administering morphine, which is frequently used to alleviate severe pain, should clearly and accurately reflect the dosage, route, frequency, and indication for use. The entry should read: 'Morphine 5mg subcutaneously every 4 hr PRN severe pain.' The use of abbreviations like 'MSO4' and 'SQ', although common, are discouraged due to potential confusion with other substances or measures; 'Morphine' should be spelled out fully, and 'subcutaneously' detailed for clarity. Additionally, specifying the strength as '5mg' rather than '5.0mg' is acceptable and indicates the dose more concisely without unnecessary decimal precision, making option B the correct format.