An elderly patient weighing 119 pounds reports having back pain for 3 months and taking only nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents to alleviate the pain. The nurse anticipates the administration of which medication to address the patient's chronic pain?
a. Fentanyl (Duragesic) 25 mcg
b. Hydrocodone (Vicodin) 60 mg
c. Tramadol (Ultram) 50 mg
d. Morphine sulfate 10 mg
ANS: A
Duragesic would be used to address the patient's chronic pain, and the dose is appropriate for the patient's weight and age.
Hydrocodone is indicated for acute moderate to severe pain, not for the chronic pain reported by this patient.
Ultram is indicated for short-term therapy for acute pain.
Morphine sulfate is indicated for acute moderate to severe pain and would not be used for chronic pain; nor would it be used in an elderly patient because of its respiratory depressive effect.
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