How should morphine be administered via IV push?

• A. Give rapidly over 1 minute
• B. Dilute and give slowly over 3-5 minutes
• C. Bolus over 10 seconds
• D. Undiluted over 2 minutes

Answer: (B)

Morphine given by IV needs to be delivered in a controlled, slow manner to avoid a dangerous spike in drug level. Diluting the dose and administering it over several minutes—typically 3 to 5 minutes—provides gradual analgesia while reducing the risk of respiratory depression and hypotension. Giving it rapidly or undiluted can cause abrupt breathing difficulty and unstable blood pressure, which can be life-threatening. While you administer, monitor the patient’s respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, and have rescue equipment and naloxone ready in case signs of overdose or excessive sedation appear. This approach supports safer, more controllable pain relief and allows time to assess the patient’s response before giving more.