A patient recovering from surgery reports a pain level of 6 on a 0–10 pain scale but refuses additional pain medication since he does not want to "become addicted." The nurse's response should focus on which concept?
1. Physical dependence on pain medication is uncommon during the short-term postoperative use.
2. This patient already might have an addiction problem.
3. This patient might benefit from a placebo dose.
4. The physician should be notified to discuss pain management.
Correct Answer: 1
Patients might fear "addiction" or physical dependence on pain medications, especially opioids, postoperatively. The duration of use is typically short-term, and this concern should be discussed, but is not anticipated to occur. The patient who already has an addiction problem most likely would be requesting more medication, not refusing it. The patient is verbalizing pain, so administration of a placebo is unethical, against patient rights for pain management, and should not be administered. It is within the scope of the nurse to review and make decisions with the patient regarding safe use of pain medications that have been ordered by the physician. The physician does not need to be called at this time unless the nurse's interventions with the patient are unsuccessful.
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