American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

What intervention is often utilized for patients presenting with pulmonary edema in the context of UA/NSTEMI?

1. IV morphine for pain management

2. Increased fluid intake

3. Use of corticosteroids

4. Vasopressor administration

The correct answer is: IV morphine for pain management

In the context of acute pulmonary edema, particularly when associated with unstable angina (UA) or non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), the administration of intravenous morphine is a common and effective intervention. Morphine helps alleviate the anxiety and pain that can accompany pulmonary edema and also acts as a vasodilator, which reduces preload and subsequently lowers the workload on the heart. This dual effect helps improve respiratory distress by reducing the amount of fluid that can accumulate in the lungs and improving overall hemodynamic stability. Patients suffering from pulmonary edema often experience severe shortness of breath, which can exacerbate their overall condition. Therefore, addressing pain and anxiety through morphine not only provides symptomatic relief but also has a physiological benefit that supports cardiac function. The analgesic effects of morphine allow for better tolerance of other necessary interventions and treatments, enhancing the patient's overall comfort during critical episodes. In contrast, increasing fluid intake would be contraindicated in pulmonary edema, as the condition is characterized by excess fluid in the lungs. Corticosteroids are not routinely indicated for this acute setting, and the administration of vasopressors is more appropriate in cases of hypotension or shock rather than for managing pulmonary edema itself. Therefore, the use of intravenous morphine