Which of these clients is likely to receive sublingual morphine?

Which of these clients is likely to receive sublingual morphine?

1. A 75-year-old woman in a hospice program
2. A 40-year-old man who just had throat surgery
3. A 20-year-old woman with trigeminal neuralgia
4. A 60-year-old man who has a painful incision

Correct Answer: 1. A 75-year-old woman in a hospice program
Correct – Sublingual morphine is often used in hospice because the patients are unable to swallow, and intravenous access can be painful and not conducive to palliative care.

2. A 40-year-old man who just had throat surgery
Incorrect – Patients who have surgery most likely have an Intravenous line

3. A 20-year-old woman with trigeminal neuralgia
Incorrect – Morphine would not be the first choice for nerve pain

4. A 60-year-old man who has a painful incision
Incorrect – Although Morphine would be an appropriate medications, there is no indication that it should be administered sublingually