You are caring for a patient with sickle cell disease in her home. Over the years, there has been joint damage, and the patient is in chronic pain. The patient has developed a tolerance to her usual pain medication

When does the tolerance to pain medication become the most significant problem?
A) When it results in inadequate relief from pain
B) When dealing with withdrawal symptoms resulting from the tolerance
C) When having to report the patient's addiction to her physician
D) When the family becomes concerned about increasing dosage


Ans: A
Feedback:
Tolerance to opioids is common and becomes a problem primarily in terms of maintaining adequate pain control. Symptoms of physical dependence may occur when opiates are discontinued, but there is no indication that the patient's medication will be discontinued. This patient does not have an addiction and the family's concerns are secondary to those of the patient.

Nursing

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