Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

Why would morphine be administered to a patient with a pulmonary embolism (PE)?

1. To increase cardiac output

2. To induce sedation

3. For vasodilation

4. To relieve anxiety

The correct answer is: For vasodilation

Administering morphine to a patient with a pulmonary embolism is primarily aimed at relieving anxiety associated with the distress of the condition, as well as providing pain relief. In the setting of a PE, patients often experience significant stress and anxiety due to sudden onset symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain. Morphine can help alleviate this discomfort, thus enhancing the patient’s ability to breathe and relax. While morphine may have secondary effects like mild vasodilation, which can help manage some aspects of the cardiovascular response, its primary role in this scenario is to relieve the anxiety and pain that can worsen the patient's respiratory status. This is particularly important in a critical situation where the patient's comfort can directly influence their ability to tolerate further interventions and stabilize their condition. It is crucial to note that while alleviating anxiety can improve respiratory performance indirectly, the role of morphine as a respiratory depressant necessitates careful monitoring of the patient’s respiratory rate and level of consciousness during administration.