Author Question: The following medications are prescribed by the health care provider for a middle-aged patient who ... (Read 53 times)

azncindy619 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The following medications are prescribed by the health care provider for a middle-aged patient who uses long-acting morphine (MS Contin) for chronic back pain, but still has ongoing pain.

Which medication should the nurse question?
a. Morphine (Roxanol)
b. Pentazocine (Talwin)
c. Celecoxib (Celebrex)
d. Dexamethasone (Decadron)

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient who has diabetes and complains of chronic burning leg pain even when taking oxycodone (OxyContin) twice daily.

When reviewing the orders, which prescribed medication is the best choice for the nurse to administer as an adjuvant to decrease the patient's pain?
a. Aspirin (Ecotrin)
b. Celecoxib (Celebrex)
c. Amitriptyline (Elavil)
d. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

voltaire123 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Opioid agonist-antagonists can precipitate withdrawal if used in a patient who is physically dependent on mu agonist drugs such as morphine. The other medications are appropriate for the patient.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The patient's pain symptoms are consistent with neuropathic pain and the tricyclic antidepressants are effective for treating this type of pain. The other medications are more effective for nociceptive pain.