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What is the primary purpose of administering morphine during a cardiac event?

  1. To decrease blood pressure

  2. To relieve patient anxiety and pain

  3. To induce bradycardia

  4. To increase respiratory rate

The correct answer is: To relieve patient anxiety and pain

The primary purpose of administering morphine during a cardiac event is to relieve patient anxiety and pain. During such events, patients often experience significant chest pain and anxiety due to the severity of their condition. Morphine, an opioid analgesic, effectively alleviates this pain, providing comfort and potentially reducing the stress response of the body, which can improve overall outcomes. Relieving pain is crucial because intense pain can increase the heart's workload and exacerbate the patient's condition. Furthermore, by alleviating anxiety, morphine can help stabilize the patient's physiological state, making it easier for them to cooperate with medical interventions. This combination of pain management and anxiety relief is particularly beneficial in the treatment of conditions like acute coronary syndrome or myocardial infarction, where comfort can significantly impact patient outcomes and the effectiveness of subsequent treatments.