A client is receiving morphine sulfate intravenously (IV) every 4 hours as needed for the relief of pain related to a surgical procedure the client had 3 days previously

Question

The physician is discontinuing the IV and will be starting the patient on oral pain medication. What would provide the client with optimal pain relief when discontinuing the IV dose? A) Administer a lower dose so the client does not get addicted to the medication.
B) Administer an equianalgesic dose.
C) The client should be ordered the medication to be administered intramuscularly (IM) instead of by mouth.
D) Administer a higher dose of the medication by mouth.

Answer 1

B
Feedback:
When changing from a parenteral to an oral route, it is best to administer an equianalgesic dose, an oral dose that provides the same level of pain relief as when the drug is given by a parenteral route. Administering a lower dose of the medication will not provide the client with an adequate pain relief. Administering an IM dose may decrease the absorption and not provide the client with adequate relief. Administering a higher dose may cause side effects that would be detrimental to the client.