A client is prescribed a medication that is a blend of an opioid analgesic with an NSAID. The nurse realizes that this medication will have which effects on the client?

Question

1. Encourage the development of tolerance.
2. Encourage the development of addiction.
3. Maximize pain control while minimizing toxicity.
4. Maximize pain control while minimizing side effects.
5. Reduce the onset of pseudoaddiction.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3, 4
Rationale 1: Blended medications do not encourage the development of tolerance.
Rationale 2: Blended medications do not encourage the development of addiction.
Rationale 3: Rational pharmacy is a concept whereby health professionals should be aware of all ingredients of medication that alleviate pain. Combinations reduce the need for high doses of any one medication, maximizing pain control while minimizing toxicity.
Rationale 4: Rational pharmacy is a concept whereby health professionals should be aware of all ingredients of medication that alleviate pain. Combinations reduce the need for high doses of any one medication, maximizing pain control while minimizing side effects.
Rationale 5: Blended medications do not reduce the onset of pseudoaddiction.