A patient says that his condition must be getting worse since he was receiving 10 mg morphine sulfate through the IV for pain but now is prescribed Demerol 50 mg by mouth at home. How should the nurse respond to this patient?

Question

1. "Oral doses need to be higher than those given through an IV. It does not mean your condition is worse."
2. "The doctor is making sure that you do not have any pain once you go home."
3. "I will get the doctor so he can explain what is going on with your condition."
4. "All patients have more pain when they go home so the doctor is making sure you have enough medication."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1

Oral doses of analgesics are not equal to parenteral doses. The oral dose of an opioid such as morphine, codeine, or hydromorphone may be two to five times higher than the parenteral dose to achieve equivalent pain relief. This is what the nurse should explain to the patient. The physician is not making sure the patient has no pain at home. The nurse does not need to get the physician to explain the patient's condition. Not all patients have more pain when they are discharged after surgery.