A hospice patient has been receiving oral pain medication for several weeks. The patient started with 4 mg of the drug, and each week has had to increase the amount by 2–3 mg to obtain adequate pain relief. The nurse recognizes that the patient
1. has developed immunity to the drug.
2. has developed a tolerance to the drug.
3. has developed a physiologic addiction to the drug.
4. has developed a psychological addiction to the drug.
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: Drug tolerance occurs when the body adapts to a substance after repeated administration. Although addictions are possible, the situation presented best describes drug tolerance, not addiction. Drug immunity is a term that is often confused with drug tolerance. Drug immunity is more appropriately used when discussing the immune system.
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