A patient has periodic severe nerve pain that is not well controlled with pain medication. The nurse thinks that this patient might benefit from which pain management approach?
1. a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
2. a narcotic
3. an antidepressant
4. a local anesthetic
Correct Answer: 3
Antidepressants within the tricyclic and related chemical groups act on the production and retention of serotonin in the CNS, thus inhibiting pain sensation. They also promote normal sleeping patterns, which further alleviates the suffering of the patient in pain. They are useful with neuropathic pain. Other medications are prescribed before introducing narcotics. The NSAID group can have serious side effects, including bleeding tendencies, and would not be appropriate in a long-term situation. A local anesthetic would not be appropriate for long-term pain management.
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