You administer morphine 2 mg IV followed 10 minutes later by a dose of 4 mg IV. Mr. Martino improves somewhat, but is still tachypneic.
What else is available as second line therapy for dyspnea?
Benzodiazepines. You administer lorazepam (Ativan®) 0.5 mg – 1.0 mg q 4h prn.
Remember: some patients, particularly the elderly, develop a paradoxical agitation in response to benzodiazepines.