The physician orders a dose of medication that does not resolve the client's chronic pain. When the nurse questions the order, the physician explains that he or she fears the client will develop an addiction with higher drug dosages
What is the nurse's best response? a. Administer the medication as ordered.
b. Assist the client to use guided imagery.
c. Consult with the pain control specialist.
d. Explain to the client that lower doses are better.
C
A health care provider may underprescribe medications for clients in pain for many reasons, such as regulatory scrutiny and cultural and societal attitudes. Undertreatment of pain is a serious problem in the United States and in the rest of the world. The nurse can act as an advocate for the client in pain by consulting with a pain care specialist.
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