Which medication should be readily available to a nurse caring for an infant with tetralogy of Fallot?

In the context of an infant with tetralogy of Fallot, morphine sulfate is particularly important because it can help manage episodes of cyanosis and alleviate anxiety or stress in the infant. Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that can lead to oxygen deprivation resulting in cyanotic spells, often referred to as "tet spells." During these episodes, the infant may become distressed due to decreased oxygen levels. Morphine acts as a calmative agent, providing sedation to reduce stress and could also decrease the workload on the heart by reducing the response to hypoxia.

The other medications listed do not address the acute needs presented by a tetralogy of Fallot crisis. Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, is typically utilized for inflammatory conditions and is not specific to the immediate management of cardiac issues related to this condition. Fentanyl, while it is an opioid analgesic like morphine, is often not the first choice in managing children with cyanosis in this acute setting. Atropine, known for its role in treating bradycardia, does not have a direct application for the management of acute cyanosis associated with tetralogy of Fallot, which further emphasizes the role of morphine as a crucial medication to