The nurse administers narcotics to surgical patients. Which statement represents the nurse's best understanding as it relates to the potency of different narcotics?

Question

1. Codeine is less potent than morphine; it will not produce an allergic reaction.
2. Morphine is more potent than codeine; a lesser dose will be required.
3. Morphine is more potent than codeine; it will produce more adverse effects.
4. Codeine is less potent than morphine; it will not relieve pain as well.

Answer 1

2
Rationale 1: The potency of a drug is not related to its ability to cause an allergic reaction.
Rationale 2: A drug that is more potent will produce a therapeutic effect at a lower dose.
Rationale 3: Potency does not mean the drug will produce more adverse effects.
Rationale 4: Less potent narcotics can be very effective with pain relief.
Global Rationale: A drug that is more potent will produce a therapeutic effect at a lower dose. Potency does not mean the drug will produce more adverse effects. Less potent narcotics can be very effective with pain relief. The potency of a drug is not related to its ability to cause an allergic reaction.