What is the appropriate dilution for administering morphine IV?

The appropriate dilution for administering morphine IV is 5 ml of sterile water or normal saline. This option is correct because the use of sterile water or normal saline as a diluent provides a safe and effective means of preparing morphine for intravenous administration.

When morphine is prepared for IV use, it’s essential to dilute it adequately to achieve the desired concentration for safe administration, as high concentrations can be irritating to the veins. Using sterile water or normal saline helps maintain the osmolarity of the solution and minimizes the risk of complications such as phlebitis or thrombosis.

In contrast, the other options are not suitable for this purpose. For example, using 10 ml of saline may be excessive and unnecessary, while 2 ml of dextrose might not provide the appropriate solubility for morphine, and 5 ml of alcohol is contraindicated due to toxicity and potential harm when injected IV. Therefore, the choice of 5 ml of sterile water or normal saline is optimal for effectively and safely administering morphine intravenously.