The nurse is interviewing the client before minor surgery. The client is worried about pain management: "I have a history of addiction; I have to be careful what I get for pain." What is the best response from the nurse?

Question

1. "Maybe you should put off having surgery until you don't have the urge to abuse drugs."
2. "We will have to use only complementary therapies for you. I am afraid you may still have some pain."
3. "We can use nonopioid drugs, which have a very low risk of dependency."
4. "How long have you been drug-free? If it has been more than two years, we can use opioids."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: This does not address the client's need for pain management. Nonopioid drugs have a low risk of dependency, and are ideal for this client.
Rationale 2: Complementary therapies might not completely relieve pain. This client certainly can also use nonopioid drugs with a low dependency risk.
Rationale 3: Nonopioid analgesics have a very low rate of dependency, and might be the ideal drug choice for this client.
Rationale 4: Clients with a history of addiction do not have a time period when they are not at risk again for addiction.
Global Rationale: Nonopioid analgesics have a very low rate of dependency, and might be the ideal drug choice for this client. There is no reason to postpone the surgery as nonopioid drugs have a low risk of dependency, and are ideal for this client. Complementary therapies might not completely relieve pain. This client certainly can also use nonopioid drugs with a low dependency risk. Clients with a history of addiction do not have a time period when they are not at risk again for addiction.