Certified Hospice and Palliative Assistant (CHPNA) Practice Test

What effect does morphine have when given in appropriate doses?

1. Increases heart rate

2. Relieves air hunger

3. Cures respiratory infections

4. Increases appetite

The correct answer is: Relieves air hunger

When administered in appropriate doses, morphine effectively relieves air hunger, which is a sensation of shortness of breath or the feeling of not getting enough air. This symptom can be distressing for individuals with serious illnesses, such as advanced lung disease or cancer. Morphine acts as a respiratory depressant, which can alleviate the feeling of breathlessness by reducing the effort required to breathe and improving the overall sensation of respiratory comfort. The relief of air hunger is particularly significant as it enhances the quality of life for patients experiencing dyspnea and helps to manage anxiety that often accompanies this feeling. This therapeutic use of morphine is well-documented in palliative care settings, where the goal is to provide comfort and maintain dignity in patients nearing the end of life. The other options presented do not accurately reflect the pharmacological effects of morphine. For instance, morphine does not cure respiratory infections, nor does it inherently increase heart rate or appetite. Instead, morphine may actually cause a decrease in heart rate and can lead to decreased appetite due to its sedating effects. Thus, the primary and notable effect of morphine, when used appropriately in a palliative care context, is its ability to relieve air hunger.