Which of the following drug is NOT used for analgesia in a head injury patient?
High-Yield Explanation
Morphine is contraindicated in patients with head injury and increased intracranial pressure. Like all narcotics, it may obscure clinical findings. The likelihood of respiratory depression and increased intracranial pressure is greater when morphine is given under these conditions. Morphine must be given with caution when administered to patients taking CNS depressants. Caution should also be used when morphine is required for older or debilitated patients or those with renal or hepatic impairment. It should be used with caution when given to patients who are sensitive to CNS effects because of concurrent alterations in their health status. Ref: Drug Therapy in Nursing By Diane S. Aschenbrenner, page 382.