A nurse is caring for a 74-year-old patient with chronic pain who is prescribed an opioid medication for pain relief. The nurse should explain to the patient that for elderly patients:
A) Meperidine is usually the drug of choice.
B) Intervals between doses are the same as for younger patients.
C) Absorption and metabolism of medications may be higher.
D) Smaller doses of medication are required for pain relief.
Ans: D
Feedback: For elderly patients, meperidine should be avoided because of toxic effects, intervals between doses are usually longer than for younger patients, absorption and metabolism of medications may be slower because of decreased liver and GI function, and most elderly patients need less medication for pain relief.
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