After a patient undergoes surgery, the nurse notes that the analgesics prescribed are not relieving the patient's pain. A review of the patient's medical records reveals a history of alcohol abuse. What inferences can the nurse make?
1. The patient is likely cross-tolerant to the prescribed analgesic.
2. The patient has an unreported addiction to the pain medication being prescribed.
3. The patient has a history of using this medication at home.
4. The patient has a dual diagnosis relating to alcohol and drug addiction.
Correct Answer: 1
Cross-tolerance results when tolerance to one substance also results in a tolerance to another drug. The patient's heavy use of alcohol likely has resulted in a tolerance to alcohol and, by association, to the prescribed analgesic. There is no evidence that the patient takes the medication at home, is addicted to the medication, or has a dual diagnosis related to alcohol and drug addiction.
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