A patient is diagnosed with a condition that causes chronic pain. The primary care NP prescribes an opioid analgesic and should instruct the patient to:
a. wait until the pain is at a moderate level before taking the medication.
b. take the medication at regular intervals and not just when pain is present.
c. start the medication at higher doses initially and taper down gradually.
d. take the minimum amount needed even when pain is severe to avoid dependency.
B
Chronic pain requires routine administration of drugs, and patients should take analgesics routinely without waiting for increased pain.
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