It is important to remember when treating a narcotic-dependent patient is that:

Question

a. They should not be given any other narcotics due to the potential of increasing their dependency
b. All narcotic dosages should be reduced by at least one-half to avoid significant respiratory depression
c. Stadol and Nubain may cause acute withdrawals to the narcotic- dependent patient
d. Stadol has agonist effects that make it the preferred medication for narcotic dependent patients while not increasing dependence

Answer 1

b
Rationale: a. Although narcotic addicted, many patients (such as cancer and other patients requiring pain relief) may need pain medications.
b. Dependence may also produce tolerance requiring larger than normal doses to the narcotic addicted patient.
c. Correct. Because of the agonistic/antagonistic effects, both medications may produce acute withdrawal.
d. Although Stadol has agonist effects, its antagonistic effects may produce withdrawal