The nurse consults with the primary physician of a patient who is experiencing continuous, severe pain. In planning for the patient's treatment, the nurse is aware of the principles of pain management

Question

It is appropriate for the nurse to expect treatment to include which of the following? a. Focusing on intramuscular administration of analgesics
b. Waiting for pain to become more intense before administering opioids
c. Administering opioid with nonopioid analgesics for severe pain experiences
d. Administering large doses of opioids initially to patients who have not taken the medications before

Answer 1

C

Feedback
A Intramuscular administration of analgesics is not expected because the injection itself is painful, and inconsistent and erratic absorption of the drug may occur. Intramuscular analgesics should be avoided.
B The nurse should administer opioids before the patient's pain becomes intense. It is easier to maintain pain control than it is to get intense pain under control.
C To treat a patient who is experiencing continuous, severe pain, the nurse should expect the patient to receive opioid and nonopioid analgesics for severe pain experiences.
D Large doses of opioids are not given initially to patients who have not taken the medications before because they may cause respiratory depression. The expectation is to begin with lower doses and titrate upward.